The number of healthcare workers who contracted COVID-19 in the country is now at 9,347, the Department of Health (DOH) said in its latest data.
The DOH said that 8,597 medical workers or 91 percent of the cumulative total have already recovered while 60 have died, based on data as of September 26.
It noted that 690 remain as active cases, wherein 385 have mild symptoms, 271 are asymptomatic, 23 are in severe condition, and 11 are critically ill.
Of the 9,347 infected health workers, there are 3,263 nurses, 1,719 physicians, 720 nursing assistants, 436 medical technologists, 227 midwives, 173 radiologic technologists, 101 pharmacists, and 74 respiratory therapists. There are also other medical professionals and non-medical staff who are included in the total tally.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded the public to provide accurate information if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
“Sana po huwag na pong maulit uli itong mga incidents na ganito na ang mga pasyente ay hindi naglalahad ng kanilang kumpletong impormasyon para hindi naman ho magkahawaan at hindi magkaroon ng sakit din ang ating mga healthcare workers ,” she said during a recent online forum.
“Hindi ho nila kailangan i-deny ang symptoms nila. Kung sila po ay may nararamdaman, alam po ng ating healthcare workers what to do ,” she added.
Hiring of HCWs
The DOH urged healthcare professionals to consider applying for positions being offered in the department's emergency hiring program to aid in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
“While we have sufficiently filled up the slots for our HRH (human resources for health), the Department continues to appeal to those with medical training to join in the response,” the DOH said.
The DOH said there are 8,822 HRH hired out of the 11,399 approved slots for emergency hiring in 338 health facilities.
Of those hired, 40.8 percent were hired in DOH hospitals; 16.6 percent in COVID-19 diagnostic facilities; 15.4 percent in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring facilities; 13 percent in local government units and other hospitals; 6.5 percent in COVID-19 referral facilities; 2.2 percent in Mega LIGTAS COVID-19 Centers; 3.1 percent in private health facilities; 1.4 percent in Epidemiology and Surveillance Units; and one percent for other healthcare facilities, the DOH said.