PGH, Lung Center have enough PPEs but manpower remains a challenge

While the COVID-19 referral hospitals Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and Lung Center of the Philippines may have resolved their issues with stocks of personal protective equipment.

However, they lack the manpower amid the growing number of cases.

According to a 24 Oras report by Bernadette Reyes, the PGH still needs volunteers to attend to patients infected with the coronavirus disease.

“‘Yung supply po na importante rin sa amin is the human resources, ‘yung aming manpower… We are still calling for volunteers to help us. Tatlong shifts yan, e. Every day, three eight-hour shifts,” PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas Del Rosario said.

“We’re looking for the younger group kasi we don’t want to expose kasi nga high-risk kapag 60 years old and above… As much as possible, 50 years old and younger.”

Eighty-nine of the 130 beds initially allotted by the PGH for COVID-19 patients are now occupied, but the hospital assured that they have enough PPEs, ventilators, and isolation rooms.

Meanwhile, the Lung Center of the Philippines now has 60 isolation rooms for COVID-19 patients, 50 of which have been occupied.

“The supply situation has improved vastly… Ang PPE inventory namin is good for at least 15 or 18 days. Kumpleto. Makakahinga hinga na kami ngayon,” said Dr. Antonio Ramos, head of the Administrative Services Division.

Ramos also said none of the staff members at the Center tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

“Alam mo, tumitigil kami sa briefing namin, nagpapalakpakan kami. We celebrate, kasi hindi ka na nga makapagluksa do’n sa mga kaibigan mo so at least itong mga nabuhay, we celebrate.” -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News