The group of doctors appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to allow the use of some hotels in Metro Manila to reduce the number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals.
According to Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Vice President Maricar Limpin, finding a hospital where a patient can be taken has further aggravated his situation.
“May kakilala ako mismo from Quezon City umabot hanggang Parañaque. Pagdating sa Parañaque, namatay na,” said Limpin.
“Ang pinaka-primary concern namin ay kung saan natin mailalagay ‘yong mga pasyente, paano natin matutulungan kasi kailangan nilang ma-admit sa ospital,” he adde.
The PCP thinks almost no one checks in at hotels.
He said the group of doctors is also ready to help the government on how to make the use of hotels as hospital facilities.
Isolation czar Mark Villar agreed with the PCP’s proposal.
“Siguro puwede ‘yon sa mga mayroon mild symptoms pero para sa mga moderate to severe kailangan talaga ng hospital facility,” said Villar.
The intensive care units (ICUs) of 14 of the 21 hospitals in Metro Manila are almost full of patients.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the ICU beds in such hospitals are already at a critical level or almost 100 percent full.
Group of doctors appeal to use some hotels as COVID-19 treatment facility
Isolation beds in Metro Manila are now almost 80 percent occupied, Vergeire said.
She said there are still beds in level 1 hospitals and can even receive patients.
Vergeire clarified that severe and critical cases should be in the hospital while mild to moderate ones should be in isolation facilities.
“Ang rekomendasyon po namin ay makapagpatingin muna sila so we have these providers for telemedicine,” said Vergeire.
When it comes to isolation facilities, they have 75 percent occupancy in Metro Manila.
Villar, who is also the Department of Public Works and Highway secretary, denied that the government’s move to build isolation facilities was delayed.
On Tuesday, 110 modular hospital beds were opened in the vacant lot at the Quezon Institute in Quezon City.
In Makati, according to Mayor Abby Binay, 4 quarantine facilities upgraded by the local government can now accommodate COVID-19 patients again.
There are 3 COVID-19 facilities at Pembo Elementary School and one in the parking area of Makati Hospital.