DOH warns hospitals against refusing COVID-19 patients

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals that they are prohibited from refusing patients suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19, or face sanctions from PhilHealth.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that all general hospitals with these higher service levels must provide care to patients with mild symptoms, whether suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Only confirmed COVID-19 patients experiencing severe or critical conditions will be transferred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), San Lazaro Hospital, and the Lung Center of the Philippines.

Duque also recommended that Level 2 and 3 hospitals establish triage areas in their emergency rooms to screen patients for potential COVID-19 infection.

The DOH's directive comes as the country confirmed four new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to ten.

The health department also advised the public to self-monitor for symptoms if they have visited places frequented by confirmed COVID-19 cases and to consult health centers if symptoms appear, rather than visiting hospitals unnecessarily.