The Department of Health (DoH) maintained New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates severely or critically infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), will be moved from the NBP Hospital to other facilities equipped to handle such cases. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained, “This is being discussed now. Ating ihahanap ng referral facilities kasi ang kanila namang ospital hindi naman mataas ang level to manage if it’s severe or critical cases of COVID-19 (We will look for referral facilities for NBPH patients because the hospital is not of the level to manage severe or critical cases of COVID-19)."

“So, rightfully talaga mai-refer ang mga inmates na may ganyang sitwasyon sa isang mataas na antas ng ospital dito sa ating bansa. Inaayos po natin ‘yan para magkaroon ng direct referral facility ang ating Bureau of Corrections para doon na lang dadalhin ang mga pasyente na severe and critical (So rightfully, inmates under such condition must be referred to a hospital of a higher level. We are working on determining a direct referral facility for Bureau of Corrections where severe and critical patients should be brought),” the undersecretary added.

Under the one hospital command, the Health department is strengthening the country’s referral system both in public and private hospitals in order to accommodate patients classified in severe and critical condition and decongest hospitals by referring mild and asymptomatic cases to quarantine facilities.