Govt to convert 200 rooms into ICUs amid NCR surge

The government plans to convert approximately 200 regular hospital rooms into intensive care unit (ICU) beds to address the high utilization rate in the National Capital Region Plus.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque suggested converting more rooms at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) into ICUs, after observing his own room could accommodate two beds.

PGH has already converted four regular rooms into ICUs and is surveying additional rooms for potential conversion.

This initiative is in addition to the 176 ICU beds and over 1,000 ward beds volunteered by other hospitals, following PhilHealth's offer of partial payment for hospital claims.

The government hopes to finalize the conversion plan within a week.

Improving critical healthcare capacity is seen as crucial for lowering quarantine classifications and reopening the economy.