12 docs have died due to COVID-19, says private hospitals group

The number of doctors who died due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is now 12, according to Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI).

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, PHAPI president Dr. Rustico Jimenez also called for enough supply of personal protective equipment in hospital to protect health workers from getting infected with coronavirus.

“Yung private hospitals po ay walang nakukuhang napakalaking bulto ng kailangan ng ating mga frontliners,” Jimenez said.

“Iniiwasan po natin na meron pang mamatay. Latest namin pong count is about 12 na po ang doktor na namamatay,” he added.

He also advised those who would like to donate PPEs to deliver the items straight to nearest hospitals.

“Ang pakiusap namin, 'wag na po i-hold sa mga warehouse ng DOH at ipamigay na lamang ng ipamigay para makasalba tayo ng frontliners natin,” he said.

The Philippine Medical Association on Friday said 10 doctors have already died. On Saturday, pathologist Dr. Helen Tudtud died also due to COVID-19 in Cebu City.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) said the country’s total COVID-cases reached 1,075 cases as more testing is being done.

The death toll is at 68 while total recoveries is at 35.

As of Saturday, the DOH has tested a total of 2,686 individuals. Of these, 920 have tested negative and 667 have pending results. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News