NMMC suspends surgeries, raises code red amid COVID surge

The Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro suspended all elective surgeries and reduced outpatient services on Saturday, May 22, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.

On Friday, May 21, NMMC declared a 'code red' status as the utilization of its facilities for treating COVID-19 patients rose from 40% to 50%. The hospital's current capacity is higher than its peak during October last year when it catered to 182 patients.

As of May 19, NMMC admitted 234 COVID-19 patients, straining resources and workforce. Anti-viral drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab are also running low.

The hospital urged private hospitals to take in more non-COVID patients to prevent overburdening the facility.