One Hospital Command: Healthcare utilization in 3 regions at critical level

Healthcare utilization in three regions remains at critical risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical director of One Hospital Command Center said Friday.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Dr. Marylaine Padlan identified these regions as Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region 2 and Caraga.

Those under high-risk level, on the other hand, are Region 4B or Mimaropa, Region 5 and Region 9.

"We receive 200 to 300 calls a day asking hospital admission for patients. Numbers are lower, but we are ready in case the trend increases again," Padlan said.

"If they are on waiting list, we still keep looking for other hospitals which can accommodate the patient as we get updates of the patient's situation from time to time," she added.

The Philippines has 138,294 active COVID-19 cases as of September 30, according to government data. Of this, 77.7% are mild, 15.8% are asymptomatic, 2% are severe, and 0.9% are in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the death toll climbed to 38,294 with 130 new fatalities.

In Metro Manila, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said  ICU utilization rate remains at high risk since 75% of the 1,600 beds are occupied.

High risk means the occupancy rate is more than 70% but less than 85%.

Data also showed that 64% of the 4,400 ward beds in the NCR are in use.  —KBK, GMA News