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DOH exec on COVID-19 mass testing: It is not efficient for us right now
The Department of Health (DOH) stated that mass COVID-19 testing is not currently necessary in the Philippines, citing limited resources and efficiency concerns.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that mass testing is not advisable at this time due to resource capacity.
While countries like South Korea have conducted mass testing, their health systems and capacities are more advanced.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously mentioned that the DOH might be missing half of the actual COVID-19 cases due to limited laboratory testing capacity.
Supplies of testing kits have been arriving from countries including China, South Korea, and Singapore.
The DOH also noted that at least seven laboratories are now capable of conducting tests.
With current developments, the Philippines can conduct approximately 1,000 COVID-19 tests daily.
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The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is conducting 950 to 1,000 coronavirus tests daily for persons under investigation (PUIs).
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Vice President Leni Robredo renewed her call for mass testing for COVID-19, aligning with a nationwide online movement using the hashtags #NoToVIPTesting and #MassTestingNowPH.
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Senator Panfilo Lacson urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to act with urgency to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines.
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Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia stated that widespread testing is crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19 and lessen its economic impact.
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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.
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