As the country sees more Filipinos being infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Senator Win Gatchalian has called on all local government units (LGUs) to set up temporary hospitals and isolation tents where patients with mild symptoms can be isolated and lessen the risk of spreading the virus.
Gatchalian proposed that these temporary facilities be set up in wide, well-ventilated, and covered spaces like gymnasiums, where tents can serve as isolation areas for persons under investigation (PUIs) and those who are recovering from the disease. The veteran legislator said schools, dormitories and hotels can also be utilized as isolation areas.
“Hospitals are now overwhelmed with the spike in COVID-19 cases straining medical facilities and triggering some to turn away patients.”
The seasoned lawmaker warns that hospitals are now overwhelmed with the spike in COVID-19 cases straining medical facilities and triggering some to turn away patients. In Quezon City for instance, three patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were sent home because the facilities where they were supposed to be confined at did not have enough space.
The senator cited the example of Wuhan City in China where COVID-19 originated. The city had16 temporary hospitals that treated 13,000 patients.
“These would also help hospitals prioritize admission for severely ill patients.”
These facilities have now closed following a drop in the number of COVID-19 cases. South Korea, for its part, solved its bed shortage problem by reserving hospital beds for the acutely ill while accommodating less sick patients in dormitories.
Gatchalian said that by setting-up temporary medical facilities, hospitals can prioritize the admission of severely ill patients.
“Kailangang manguna ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan sa mga hakbang na tulad nito. Kung titingnan natin ang halimbawa ng ibang bansa, makikita natin na posible pala ang paglalagay ng mga pansamantalang pagamutan upang matulungan nating gumaling ang mas marami pang positibo ng COVID-19,” explained Gatchalian.
He also touted Valenzuela’s centralized isolation facilities at the Balai Banyuhay and the Valenzuela Astrodome, which has modular tents and cots for the use of patients. Balai Banyuhay, the city’s unused drug rehabilitation and treatment facility, has 100 beds.
Gatchalian then called on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that all barangays comply with its directive to establish “Barangay Isolation Units” (BIUs) and mobilize Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs).