DOH admits other diseases overlooked due to COVID-19

Department of Health (DOH) admitted Monday that some patients who are not COVID-19 cases were struggling in getting medical treatment during the pandemic.

Raffy Tima reported on “24 Oras” that DOH was gathering data on such cases to evaluate the extent of the problem. DOH, however, committed to addressing the issue through hospital capacity expansion to take care of non-COVID patients.

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“Though I don’t have the figure, but of course, there are instances where people are suffering from major diseases pero alanganin sila magpa-consult sa doctor, especially through the hospital because, you know, vulnerable na sila e,” Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said.

Among these patients was Arra Corpuz’s father, who died of a septic shock last week.

His sickness started with a swelling on the neck but was not able to get a regular medical check-up until he was rushed to the hospital.

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“Nagpunta po kami sa different cities… wala pong mahanap na specialist para kay daddy,” Arra said.

(We went to different cities. We can’t find a specialist for daddy.)

Arra believes her father would have lived if there was no COVID-19 pandemic.

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She added that she knows other people who are in the same situation as her father was.

“Kung mayroon namang hospital na may capability ng virtual consultation, or virtual ganun nga consultation or triage, mas maigi kasi at para least they are protected,” Vega said.

(If there is a hospital that has a virtual consultation capability or triage, it is better to go there because at least they are protected.)

Also read: Convicted kidnapper Jaybee Sebastian dies of COVID-19

“Also na hindi sila, ‘yung kanilang presence, wala talaga doon sa area na may mga COVID,” he added.

(And also their presence is not in an area with COVID.)

As of July 20, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has increased to 69,898.

DOH reported an additional 1,521 coronavirus-infected patients, with the majority of which came from the National Capital Region with 1,237, followed by Cavite province and Laguna with 51 each, Rizal with 34, and, Davao del Sur with 22.

The health department added the Philippines so far has 43,991 active cases or patients still undergoing treatment.

DOH also recorded four additional deaths, bringing the total to 1,835, while 607 recoveries were added, totaling to 23,072 recovered patients.