Hospital utilization rate in Eastern Visayas at ‘high risk’ — OHCC

The hospital utilization rate in Eastern Visayas has been classified as high risk amid the COVID-19 surge in the country, the One Hospital Command Center (OHCC) said Friday.

"In terms sa hospital care utilization rate natin, may nakita tayong pagtaas sa ibang regions. Meron na tayong nasa high risk ngayon which is 'yung Region 8 (Eastern Visayas)," OHCC Medical Officer Dr. Marylaine Padlan said during the Laging Handa press briefing.

(In terms of our hospital care utilization rate, we have seen an increase in other regions. Region 8 is at high risk now.)

"And then 'yung mga moderate risk natin medyo madami po ngayon (Areas in moderate risks are quite many)," Padlan added, citing the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 13.

The healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) refers to the occupancy of isolation, ward, and intensive care unit beds, as well as the utilization of mechanical ventilators.

The occupancy rate is considered high risk if it is over 70% but less than 85%. Occupancy rate recorded between 60% to 69% is considered moderate.

Padlan said a decrease of COVID-19 cases in the country is currently "difficult to tell."

The operations of some hospitals in Western Visayas have also been affected.

Calls received by the OHCC have further increased to more than 1,120 a day.

Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said 60% of the calls sought help in finding isolation facilities and assistance in home isolation while 15% were referrals for hospitals and intensive care unit services. — RSJ, GMA News