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VIP treatment in coronavirus testing not a policy, says DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that there is no policy for VIP treatment in COVID-19 testing, with all specimens processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
However, the DOH mentioned that courtesy is given to officials holding positions of national security and public health.
This statement was issued after several government officials faced criticism for undergoing testing despite being asymptomatic, amidst a reported shortage of test kits.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that the officials tested were eligible based on the DOH's criteria, deeming their testing justifiable.
The DOH specified that only critical or elderly persons under investigation (PUIs) with underlying conditions or compromised immunity are eligible for testing.
The department expressed hope that the arrival of 100,000 testing kits and the accreditation of more laboratories will improve the detection and management of cases.
As of the report, the Philippines has 396 COVID-19 cases, with 33 deaths and 18 recoveries.
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