DOH orders 50% increase in COVID-19 ICU beds in Visayas, Mindanao

The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered a 50% increase in COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds in public hospitals in Visayas and Mindanao due to a surge in infections.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted a faster increase in new COVID-19 cases in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Caraga, and BARMM.

These regions, particularly Visayas with 9,725 active cases and Mindanao with 13,435, are experiencing increased transmission due to workplace infections and the presence of highly infectious COVID-19 variants.

A total of 365 ICU beds and 957 ward beds have been added across Regions 6 to 13 and BARMM.

However, some areas in Visayas and Mindanao still fall short of the recommended ratio of one temporary treatment and monitoring facility (TTMF) bed per 1,000 population.

Approximately 4,000 health workers have been deployed since February, with ongoing efforts for further augmentation.