Impending hospital crisis situation from Covid- 19 spikes has alarmed Health officials, urging local government units to expand their local quarantine facilities as to accommodate mild and moderate Covid cases.
The Health officials’ call on LGUs has side- stepped the need to course their appeal to DILG.
“Hospital beds shortage”
The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) informed the public on the current situation of COVID-19 referral hospitals in the Region.
As of June 7, 2021, the utilization rate of COVID-19 beds in the region, including private and LGU owned hospitals, is at 55.29%.
The utilization rate of the three (3) COVID-19 referral hospitals particularly their allocated beds for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is now at high risk.
“Hospitals under full capacity”
Based on the COVID-19 health capacity dashboard as of June 7, 2021, the ICU beds of Bicol Medical Center (BMC) and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGMC) are now at full capacity.
The utilization rate on ICU beds of Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) is at 94.60%.
BMC, BRTTH, and BRGHGMC are DOH hospitals and are the COVID-19 referral hospitals in the region.
“Ball now at LGU hands”
With the current situation of the COVID-19 referral hospitals, DOH Bicol calls on all Local Government Units (LGUs) to intensify response against COVID-19 including stepping up isolation facilities.
Only severe and critical cases are to be referred to the three (3) DOH COVID-19 referral hospitals.
Asymptomatic, mild, and moderate cases shall be isolated on LGU owned facilities.
LGUs are also urged to strictly implement minimum public health standards in their localities to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 in the region.
“Public participation needed”
DOH Bicol appeals to public to observe health protocols against COVID-19 by properly wearing face mask and face shield, maintaining social distancing, hand sanitation, avoidance of mass gathering, proper observance of quarantine and isolation protocols, and early consultation.
The fight against COVID-19 remains to be a whole-of-government, whole-of-system, whole-of-society approach. Thus, each and everyone has a responsibility to take.
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