DOH allows Manila to operate COVID-19 testing lab

The Department of Health (DOH) has granted Manila approval to operate its own COVID-19 testing laboratory at the Sta. Ana Hospital, commencing June 25, 2020.

This new facility, named the Manila Infectious Disease Control Center (MIDCC), can process 60 to 70 patients per shift, potentially accommodating around 120 patients daily in two shifts.

The confirmatory tests can be finished in about an hour and a half, with results available within the same day.

Mayor Isko Moreno expressed gratitude to the DOH and President Duterte for the license, highlighting the city's commitment to containing and treating COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Grace Padilla, director of Sta. Ana Hospital, acknowledged the five-week process to obtain the license and mentioned that a dry-run among in-patients was conducted.

The city is also building two more testing laboratories due to Manila's large population and the high cost of individual testing, which can range from P5,000 to P8,000 per test.

This initiative is part of Manila's CODE (contain and delay)-COVID 19 program to combat the pandemic.