DOH exec: Only 70% of RT-PCR laboratories submit COVID-19 data on time

Only 70% of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) laboratories processing COVID-19 test results are able to submit their daily reports on COVID-19 cases on time, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

“Challenge iyong pag-report kasi marami pa ring incomplete [na case investigation form]. 70 plus percent lang ang compliance ng laboratories sa submissions,” Vergeire said in an online forum.

“Hindi sila gumagamit noong COVID-KAYA, e-mail pa rin ang gusto nila,” Vergeire added.

COVID-KAYA is an app for case and contact tracing reporting system for epidemiology and surveillance officers, health care providers and laboratory-based users.

“Kaya tumawag na si [Health] Secretary [Francisco Duque III] kanina, kailangan mas strict ang compliance sa submissions [ng data from laboratories],” Vergeire added.

Vergeire then said that while the late reporting of laboratories is a challenge, the DOH is not conducting data reconciliation every weekend to ensure that all COVID-19 cases, including recoveries, are reported accurately.

“Every week, may data reconciliation para wala tayong ma-miss out. Sa darating na linggo, magre-reconcile kami uli,” Vergeire said.

“Kaya kailangan ng strict enforcement of timely reporting of COVID-19 cases para we can get accurate and timely data. We will be issuing a memo to all concerned laboratories, and we have to remember itong [accurate and timely reporting any requirement sa pagkakaroon nila ng license,” Vergeire added.

Based on DOH records, there are 94 RT-PCR laboratories in the country. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News