Other diseases almost unchecked due to COVID-19, DOH admits

Some patients with illnesses other than the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are having difficulty getting medical attention amid the pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged Monday.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras,” the DOH said it was collecting data on such cases to see the extent of the problem but vowed to address it by expanding the capacity of hospitals to attend to non-COVID-19 cases.

"Though I don't have the figure, but of course, there are instances where people are suffering from major diseases pero alanganin sila magpa-consult sa doctor, especially through the hospital because, you know, vulnerable na sila e,” Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said.

Among these patients was the father of Arra Corpuz, who died last week of septic shock.

His illness started out with a swelling on the neck.

He was not able to get regular medical attention until he had to be rushed to a hospital one day.

“Nagpunta po kami sa different cities… wala pong mahanap na specialist para kay daddy,” Arra said.

She believes that her father would not have died if there was no COVID-19 pandemic.

Arra added that she knows other people who are in the same position as her father was.

"Kung mayroon namang hospital na may capability ng virtual consultation, or virtual ganun nga consultation or triage, mas maigi kasi at para least they are protected,” Vega said.

“Also na hindi sila, 'yung kanilang presence, wala talaga doon sa area na may mga COVID,” he added. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News