The Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III headed to two health facilities yesterday morning, unannounced to check on the situation of its healthcare workers and ensure that they have enough resources amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
The Health Chief visited Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center which recently reported 98.1% occupancy rate with 51 out of its 52 COVID dedicated beds occupied as of July 9, 2020. Secretary Duque also visited Tondo Medical Center, which reported an occupancy rate of 62.4% for its 101 COVID dedicated beds.
“While statistics and data drive our COVID-19 response, iba pa rin if you see the situation first hand. We rely on data and statistics in making decisions, but they are based on real-life situations that cannot be sufficiently captured by numbers. Kailangan pa rin natin makita ang kalagayan ng ating mga pasyente at pasilidad, ”explained Secretary Duque on why he opted to see first-hand how DOH directives translate to patient care.
In his visit, Secretary Duque thanked the doctors, nurses, medical technologists, other healthcare workers, and hospital staff for tirelessly providing medical care and support for COVID-19 patients.
“I visited these hospitals to check on the patients and our healthcare workers on how they are holding up. Gusto natin silang kumustahin at alamin kung ano ang kanilang mga pangangailangan. Nais din nating personal na pasalamatan ang ating magigiting na frontliners na walang pagod na humaharap sa hamon ng COVID-19 araw-araw. We will be conducting more hospital visits in the coming days,” the Health Chief concluded.
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