Some hospitals in Manila have admitted that they have a shortage of nurses amid the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Although East Avenue Medical Center is said to be ready in case of an influx of patients, is still short of nurses, according to Dr. Alfonso Nuñez, Medical Center Chief of the hospital.
“Mayroon pa rin kaming deficit, around 30 to 35 nurses na kailangan pa namin punuan, pero ang issue sa amin walang nag-apply at the moment,” said Nuñez.
According to Nuñez, some hospital employees are already taking COVID-19 even though they are not on duty in the COVID-19 ward.
The Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) also acknowledged the shortage and said it was due to the K to 12 program.
“Kino-close down ang mga nurse station dahil kulang sa nurse, about 50 percent sa dating capacity,” said Jaime Almora, head of PHA.
It is said that the demand for nurses outside the hospital also increased and they got jobs in various government agencies.
For this reason, Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) spokesperson Nobet Francisco called on the public to abide by the protocols.
Nurse shortage felt by some hospitals amid COVID-19 surge
A few months before the pandemic started, LCP also needed an additional nurse after being included in the COVID-19 referral facilities in Manila.
“Crucial itong gagawin na 1 to 2 weeks, kaya inaalerto natin ‘yung public, at a time na andiyan ang vaccine, puwede na tayo bumalik sa dati? Hindi pa talaga, this is just to show that puwedeng tumaas ulit ang kaso pag hindi tayo mag-ingat,” said Francisco.
For Dr. Antonio Dans of the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19, government policy is also important in addition to public safety.
“Mayroon tinatawag na 3rd quarter phenomenon, ‘yan nararanasan. Parang napupuno na, nadidismaya na, nawawala na protection,” said Dans.
According to a survey released by the OCTA Research Group, 9 out of 10 Filipinos wear face masks and wash their hands or use alcohol to avoid the virus.
A lower percentage of those said they wear a face shield and follow physical distancing.
Experts recommend avoiding crowded and crowded places; instead, open-air activities such as parks and al fresco or outdoor dining should be preferred.