By Leslie Ann Aquino
The president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc (PHAPi) has asked its members not to turn away patients suspected of having the 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
"We should not reject patients," PHAPi President Dr Rustico Jimenez said in an interview.
He reminded them that part of their commitment is "not to discriminate patients."
Jimenez added: "A hospital is for all people who need help."
He, however, admitted that there are private hospitals incapable of fully handling 2019-nCoV cases. "Some hospitals might have the facilities to handle 2019-nCoV cases. But hospitals, in general, do not have such facilities."
He then encouraged private hospitals without adequate facilities to designate one area outside of hospital premises where they can do the history and conduct examinations of patients.
"Process of elimination will determine whether patient is a possible victim or carrier of the virus, then refer to proper hospitals with adequate facilities if possible victim is positive based on physical examination and history," Jimenez said.
PHAPi has more than 600 member-private hospitals throughout the country.