Philippines buys 1M PPEs worth P1.8B for frontliners vs. COVID-19

The Department of Health (DOH) has procured one million sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers worth P1.8 billion.

Each set includes head gear, goggles, N95 mask, gloves, apron, and a gown, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a virtual press briefing.

The DOH is still awaiting the delivery of the PPE sets.

“Bagaman bibigyang prayoridad ang mga healthcare workers sa ating mga pampublikong ospital, meron din po tayong nakalaan para po sa ibang pampubliko at pribadong ospital, maging ang mga ospital na labas sa Luzon na nangangailangan ng PPE,” Vergeire added.

The department said hospitals in need of PPEs can make a request through covid19logistics@gmail.com.

The continued rise of COVID-19 cases in the country has caused the PPE stocks of several hospitals to run low.

Several donors have stepped up to fill the gap in supply, including the Chinese government, San Miguel Corporation, and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), among many others.

The lack of PPEs has also forced healthcare workers to seek alternatives, such as recycled plastic bottles.

The OVP on Sunday said it was working with fashion designers to mass produce PPEs.

Even ordinary citizens have volunteered to help address the shortage of protective gear.

As of Monday afternoon, the Philippines has 1,546 COVID-19 cases with 78 deaths and 42 recoveries. -NB, GMA News