DOH disapproves Marikina COVID-19 testing center

The Department of Health (DOH) has disapproved Marikina City's proposed COVID-19 testing center, citing the need for further enhancements to meet biosafety and biosecurity standards.

The DOH found that the proposed location within the City Health Office lacked the appropriate biosafety level 2 laboratory setup, and the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center also had insufficient space for COVID-19 testing.

The DOH recommended establishing the facility in a separate location to minimize cross-infection and foot traffic.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro expressed disappointment, viewing the disapproval as a denial of access to testing for marginalized sectors.

Mayor Teodoro stated that the city government will comply with the DOH's recommendation to relocate the facility, emphasizing the urgent need for mass testing.

He also urged the DOH to allow the use of locally-developed testing kits for mass testing during the health crisis and to adopt a partnership approach between national and local governments.