The third and largest batch of the Lung Center of the Philippines’ modular hospital or “hospitainer” for COVID-19 cases is set to become operational next month.
“Malaki yung third batch. Tinulungan tayo ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) diyan. Up to 88 beds of moderate cases, and another 18 to 20 beds of ICU cases, that should be ready by 2nd or 3rd week of August,” said Dr. Norberto Francisco, spokesperson of Lung Center.
According to Francisco, hospitainers are like container vans but are designed for the critical care of COVID-19 patients.
“Kahit mangailangan sila ng high flow oxygen, saka mga ventilators, kaya po nitong mga modular units na ito,” said Francisco.
In an interview with TeleRadyo Thursday morning, Francisco said that the first batch of their modular units would have 8 cubicles that can accommodate two patients.
“Then, nagkaroon kami ng panibagong batch na dalawang units ng modular. Dito namin inilagay ang aming triage for COVID cases,” he said.
He said the modular hospitals aim to increase the bed capacity of their hospital for COVID patients.
“Hanggang doon sa second batch, operational na ngayon,” he said.
Lung Center’s largest ‘hospitainer’ for COVID-19 cases to open in August
He said there are now 29 patients in the 40 bed capacity of the hospital’s ICU for COVID.
“Right now, 73 percent of our COVID cases are critical, nasa ICU,” he said.
More manpower will be needed when their large hospitainer opens. So they asked the Department of Health for help.
“Mga 200 more personnel, kayang i-absorb nung facility na yun. Maraming kakailanganing personnel,” he said.
Meanwhile, 12 more local cases of Delta variant in the Philippines were recorded, according to information released by the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday.
According to the DOH, the total number of local cases of Delta variant in the country has risen to 47, and three more have died.
Of the said number, 36 have recovered, and eight are active cases or continue to be treated.
The DOH also said three of the new cases of Delta variant were from Metro Manila; six in Region 3, two in Calabarzon, and one in Region 5.
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