Manila Bulletin
Cotabato hospital given license to run COVID-19 testing lab
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) now has its own COVID-19 testing center with the licensing of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC).
The CRMC will utilize a Gene Xpert machine, enabling faster test results within 45 minutes compared to the standard 24-hour turnaround time of RT-PCR kits.
Currently, the CRMC has the capacity to test up to 72 specimens daily and has 1,134 test kits available.
BARMM funded the development of the CRMC's laboratory into a testing facility through a P14.1 million grant for equipment.
The Department of Health's regional office oversees the CRMC, despite its location in Cotabato City.
This development aligns with the government's goal to establish 66 accredited COVID-19 testing centers by May 31.
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