DOH revokes license of RT-PCR lab over repeated failure to report COVID-19 test results

The Department of Health (DOH) has revoked the license of one RT-PCR laboratory over its repeated failure to submit COVID-19 test results, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire announced on Monday.

“May tinanggalan po tayo ng license noong December 29 due to continuous non-compliance sa reportorial requirement,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in an online forum.

Vergeire made the announcement amid reports that at least 11 laboratories have not been consistently submitting their COVID-19 test results during the holiday season, largely accounting for lower number of recorded COVID-19 cases in the country.

“Kahit po may pandemya, hindi po namin kayo mahahayaan na hindi nakakapag-comply because this is a requirement for you to have a license,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire also said that the DOH is readying suspension of license orders to four other RT-PCR laboratories also due to non-compliance in reporting RT-PCR results.

The DOH, however, did not name the RT-PCR laboratory whose license has been revoked at the moment pending clearance from DOH’s legal department.

The Philippines has recorded 477,807 COVID-19 cases as of January 3, 2021. Of this number, 448,258 recovered while 9,257 died.

The number of active COVID-19 cases is at 20,292.  —KBK, GMA News