In support of the Philippines’ COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) response, the United States Embassy in Manila has turned over 420 intensive care unit (ICU) beds worth P23.9 million ($498,000) to the Department of Health (DOH).
“We are honored to be able to support our Philippine partners with this ICU bed donation, which will directly support medical facilities across the country,” said US Embassy Charge d’Affaires John Law during the turnover ceremony at the DOH office on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Provided by the US Indo-Pacific Command, the donation of ICU beds will help DOH in its rapid distribution to support medical facilities in COVID-19 high-risk areas across the country.
According to the US Embassy, another batch of 180 ICU beds will be delivered in coordination with Philippine partners in the coming months to support the critical care capacity in rural provinces across Mindanao and Luzon.
These deliveries will support regional, city, and municipal hospitals and medical centers in every region of the Philippines to effectively manage critical COVID-19 patients.
The US has worked closely with the Philippines throughout the pandemic to protect public health and support the local response to COVID-19. To date, the US has provided more than Php1.38 billion ($27.5 million) to support the Philippines’ COVID-19 response.
“The United States will continue to stand with our Filipino allies as we together confront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Law said.