Over 30 health workers died due to COVID-19, says Philippine Medical Association

More than 30 health workers have died due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) said on Sunday.

PMA president Dr. Jose Santiago Jr. suggested that early testing and treatment should be provided to health workers because they are exposed to the virus while on duty.

“More than 30 ang mga pumanaw na healthcare workers, mga doctors during the time of COVID crisis,” Santiago said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“Kailangan magkaroon ng early diagnosis at early treatment para sa ating mga health workers dahil sila ang lantad sa sakit,” he added.

According to Santiago, the supply for personal protective equipments (PPEs) for health workers is improving. He said hospitals are making the most of the supply.

“Gumagawa tayo ng mga procedure para hindi agad tayo maubusan ng PPEs,” he said.

Santiago said hospitals are receiving some health worker volunteers. They are also strategizing to utilize their manpower by skeleton force so that other health workers can have rest.

As of Saturday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country reached 8,928. Of this number, 603 died while 1,124 recovered. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News