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Gov't assures proper health care for all despite current high occupancy of Metro hospitals

Philippines | National

Gov't assures proper health care for all despite current high occupancy of Metro hospitals

By Analou de Vera

The country would not reach the scenario wherein the medical workers would be forced to make a difficult decision of who lives or dies among coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, the Department of Health (DOH) assured on Friday, August 7.

Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire — Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“I don't think so. That would never happen,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during a press briefing.

“I don't think that we will go to that point where we are going to choose who lives and who doesn't live. Hindi kasama iyan sa kultura natin ,” she added.

Vergeire assured that the government will do everything to expand the country’s healthcare capacity to accommodate those seeking treatment.

The DOH has launched the One Hospital Command Center on Thursday, August 6, that aims to improve the referral system of hospitals and quarantine facilities for COVID-19 patients.

“I can promise this to you na kahit pa wala na talagang espasyo, gagawa at gagawa tayo ng paraan para lahat ng pasyente natin ay mabibigyan ng appropriate care na kailangan nila ,” she added.

The DOH recently sounded the alarm that the hospital bed capacity for COVID-19 patients in the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached the "danger zone" or more than 70 percent occupancy rate.

Vergeire said that medical facilities outside the NCR are ready to give assistance in case Metro Manila’s hospitals reach their full capacity.

“Kung tayo man ay mapupuno dito sa Metro Manila, nakahanda na ang karatig na mga regions natin to accommodate our patients ,” said Vergeire.

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