Negros Occidental hospital certified for COVID-19 testing

The Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital Molecular Laboratory in Silay City, Negros Occidental has been certified by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to independently conduct COVID-19 testing using RT-PCR.

The certification requires the hospital to adhere to RITM's Proficiency Testing Program, operational guidelines, and high laboratory quality standards.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced that the provincial government will allocate P100 million to expand the hospital's Infectious Disease Building, making it adaptable for future pandemics.

The provincial government will cover the cost of the tests, which will be reimbursed by PhilHealth, and the laboratory is projected to process 250 to 300 tests daily.

The governor also mentioned that medical technologists will use the first week for proficiency testing to ensure comfort and accuracy before maximizing the equipment's capacity.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II stated that P50 million has been allocated for the laboratory's equipment, supplies, and peripherals, funded by the province's additional internal revenue allotment.