Duterte reports on gov't COVID-19 response for health workers

President Duterte reported to Congress that the government has secured additional facilities and resources to support health workers and frontliners combating COVID-19.

As of April 2, there were 55 COVID-referral hospitals nationwide, with 620 beds in Metro Manila and an additional 1,700 isolation and quarantine beds to be provided.

The country has a total of 172,744 human resources for health, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical technologists.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is converting evacuation centers and major venues like the PICC, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and World Trade Center into health and quarantine facilities.

Maritime vessels are also being considered for conversion into floating quarantine hospitals for persons under monitoring.

Administrative Order No. 28 grants a one-time special risk allowance to public health workers, and free transportation is being provided by the MMDA for health workers.

The PCSO has approved P444.5 million for 81 beneficiary hospitals, and PhilHealth has released P2.5 billion to 65 healthcare facilities for COVID-19 response.

Various government agencies and educational institutions, including TESDA and CHED, have donated or produced essential supplies such as masks, face shields, PPEs, and sanitizers.

The FDA has approved 21 PCR-based and 9 antibody rapid test kits, including the first locally-made PCR kit.

Eight COVID-19 testing laboratories have been accredited by the DOH, with about 100,000 test kits delivered and 19,315 individuals tested as of April 3.