DPWH to convert shipping containers into mobile health facilities
Published Apr 24, 2020 00:00 am
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Updated Apr 24, 2020 00:00 am
By Betheena Unite
After converting sports arenas and conference venues into quarantine sites for possible COVID-19 cases, shipping containers are now also being converted into mobile health facilities for isolation and treatment of patients, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bared.
(DPWH / MANILA BULLETIN)
A shipping container has already been converted into a prototype health facility by the department, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.
Design plans were also prepared for four 40-feet high cube containers, which will be used "for the possible isolation and treatment of 16 patients classified by the Deparment of Health (DOH) as probable COVID-19 cases."
“While spread of infection seems to have slowed down because of the enhanced community quarantine, we just have to be ready in the event that the situation worsens," Villar said.
The DPWH Task Force aims to facilitate augmentation of local and national health care facilities has earlier recommended the conversion of shipping containers into emergency healthcare facilities which is also being adapted worldwide.
Based on plans for one-story health facility, a 40-footer shipping container is divided into four rooms. The mobile health facilities are designed with proper ventilation, and toilet and bath on each room inasmuch as every probable COVID-19 patient needs full isolation.
Design plans to convert high cube 20-footer shipping containers into nurse stations, utility room, and separate temporary quarters of male and female healthcare service personnel have also been prepared by the agency.
“We’re ready to convert these containers into mobile hospitals and install them in any available hospital grounds or open public spaces," Villar said.
The design of the container health facilities, according to the secretary, strictly follows DOH guidelines and recommendations.
(DPWH / MANILA BULLETIN)
A shipping container has already been converted into a prototype health facility by the department, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.
Design plans were also prepared for four 40-feet high cube containers, which will be used "for the possible isolation and treatment of 16 patients classified by the Deparment of Health (DOH) as probable COVID-19 cases."
“While spread of infection seems to have slowed down because of the enhanced community quarantine, we just have to be ready in the event that the situation worsens," Villar said.
The DPWH Task Force aims to facilitate augmentation of local and national health care facilities has earlier recommended the conversion of shipping containers into emergency healthcare facilities which is also being adapted worldwide.
Based on plans for one-story health facility, a 40-footer shipping container is divided into four rooms. The mobile health facilities are designed with proper ventilation, and toilet and bath on each room inasmuch as every probable COVID-19 patient needs full isolation.
Design plans to convert high cube 20-footer shipping containers into nurse stations, utility room, and separate temporary quarters of male and female healthcare service personnel have also been prepared by the agency.
“We’re ready to convert these containers into mobile hospitals and install them in any available hospital grounds or open public spaces," Villar said.
The design of the container health facilities, according to the secretary, strictly follows DOH guidelines and recommendations.