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Filipina doctor sets up COVID testing sites in New York

Philippines

Filipina doctor sets up COVID testing sites in New York

By Jaleen Ramos

A mobile care group that offers free COVID-19 tests has been set up by a Filipino doctor in New York City, United States.

PHOTO FROM US MOBILE CARE GROUP'S WEBSITE/ MANILA BULLETIN

Jona Jane Tajonera decided to set up the mobile care group after her sister died due to COVID-19 in April 2020.

"I turned the bad thing that happened in 2020 for me, I turned it into a good thing," Tajonera said in a report from ABS CBN News.

To keep off her mind from what happened and to make herself busy, Tajonera started to run a free mobile testing site in the city.

The public doctor said she wanted to provide free RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing to people who need it.

Tajonera currently operates 22 COVID testing sites that can accommodate at least 400 to 500 patients a day.

"At 7 a.m. andito na yang mga yan, kahit gabi na sila umuwi, tapos go lang sila nang go. Kahit pagod ako, papasok ako kasi ang sipag nila. Nakakatuwa (At 7 a.m., they're already here even if they have to go home late, they still do it. So even if I'm tired, I still go to work because they are all hardworking. It makes me happy)," she told ABS CBN, adding most of her staff are also Filipinos.

The mobile care group consists of primary care physicians, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, pain management specialist, gynecologist, dietitian, respiratory therapist, Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS), and pharmacy.

Aside from offering free COVID testing, Tajonera said the mobile care group also offers mental health counseling.

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