The operating capacity of many private hospitals in various parts of the country is now over 100% due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Maricar Limpin said that some hospitals even have 130% -150% operation of emergency rooms.
“Hindi na kami masyadong nagulat. Ang ospital ngayon puno na [ang] emergency room. Hindi lang 100%. Mahigit sa 100%,” said Limpin.
As a result, hospitals are also short of medical supplies, particularly ‘mechanical ventilators’ for patients who have difficulty breathing.
In Cebu City, due to the shortage of ventilators, physicians are forced to choose the patient to use. It is said that it is now preferred who has a higher chance of surviving.
For this reason, Limpin advised patients who are experiencing symptoms to first go to the nearest health center or any health facility to be seen by health workers and given immediate medical attention.
It is said that many of those who experience symptoms do not want to go for a check-up immediately and are still waiting for the condition to worsen and then rush to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that isolation centers in Metro Manila would also be filled. According to their data, the COVID-19 beds are already 65.68% occupied.
ER of private hospitals over 100% full
There are already 2,503 beds occupied, and there are only 1,308 vacancies left in 30 isolation facilities in NCR.
Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 cases per day will likely reach more than 20,000, the OCTA Research Group said this Sunday.
The group had previously announced that the number of new cases per day could possibly hit 20,000, but now they estimate it could be higher.
“‘Di pa naman siguro natin masasabi na aabot ng 25,000. Pero it’s very possible na hihigit 20,000, by a few thousands,” said Dr. Guido David of OCTA.
(We can’t say yet that it will reach 25,000. But it’s very possible that more than 20,000, by a few thousand.)
According to David, it is possible to see the “peak” of new cases in September’s first or second week.
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