The construction of a "mega modular hospital" within the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City has begun, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday, April 29.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar bared that ground works have begun for the off-site health facility within the NCMH compound. This was preceded by careful planning and developing the site for the construction, he added.
According to Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, both equipment and manpower are now working on-site for the construction of 11 cluster units of modular health facilities.
Of the 11 planned cluster units, eight units with a 176-bed capacity will serve as a modular hospital. Each unit will have a total of 22 air-conditioned rooms with separate toilet and washroom.
The remaining three cluster units will serve as dormitories for hospital personnel and other healthcare frontliners.
Sadain said site preparation involving earthworks was carried out to make sure that the construction of modular health facilities would get off on the right foot.
“We initiated the construction of the additional pop-up hospital to further augment the country’s healthcare facilities and ensure care is not hampered for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) patients and to protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” Villar said.