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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villar presses need for more public hospitals amid persisting pandemic

Villar presses need for more public hospitals amid persisting pandemic

Published Jun 28, 2021 05:32 pm

Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday, June 28, called on the government to further work on expanding and upgrading public hospitals and health facilities as COVID-19 continues to threaten the country.

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN File Photo)

"We are in the middle of a health care crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, according to global health experts themselves, is here to stay. But as it stands now, existing hospital facilities are not enough to meet the requirements," Villar said.

"I believe increasing the bed capacity of government hospitals will be a big help to the people," she added..

Villar attended the inauguration of modular hospital and groundbreaking of Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGH-STC) extension.

The hospital will have an additional 12 storeys to boost the city's health care capacity amid the pandemic.

Under Republic Act No. 11497, LPGH-STC has been authorized to increase its capacity from 200 to 500 beds.

Villar said the project would decongest LPGH-STC as it will cater and take care of patients afflicted with mild and moderate Co-19 cases.

"Doctors, nurses and other health personnel at the city-run hospital can focus on patients with severe and critical COVID-19 cases and those with other ailments," she said.

Some P644 million was earmarked for the expansion of the said hospital.

"Once the expansion of LPGH & STC is completed, the facilities for COVID-19 and non-Covid patients can be separated to avoid the spread of the virus.

That would also ensure regular health care services are not disrupted," Villar said.

Related Tags

Cynthia Villar covid-19 pandemic response modular hospital DPWH doh
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