Duque warns hospitals against refusing patients linked to COVID-19

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday warned hospitals against refusing patients linked to 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“All Levels 2 and 3 hospitals are reminded to not refuse patients suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19,” Duque said in a press briefing.

“Refusal to provide care to said patients shall be considered a violation of the signed Performance Commitment and shall be dealt with by the PhilHealth accordingly,” he added.

In line with this, Duque recommended these hospitals to designate triage area for screening of suspected COVID-19 patients

Levels 2 and 3 hospitals can accommodate COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.

COVID-19 patients will only be transferred to DOH’s referral hospitals when their condition turns severe and critical, according to Duque.

The referral hospitals are Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Lung Center of the Philippines, and San Lazaro Hospital.

Duque reminded the public not to avoid hospitals attending to COVID-19 patients given that certain measures are being observed.

“We assure the public that our hospitals have infectious prevention and control practice in place so there is no need to avoid going to these hospitals especially if you feel unwell,” he said.

The DOH will disclose the names of the hospitals with COVID-19 patient only after coordination with the health facility to avoid fake news, Duque added. — RSJ, GMA News