SEVEN hospitals were identified by the Department of Health (DOH) to serve as subnational laboratories to strengthen the country’s capability to pinpoint ailments that can be prevented by vaccines.
DOH Spokesperson and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that among the hospitals to be used as subnational laboratories are:
-Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center
-Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital
-Western Visayas Medical Center
-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
-Zamboanga Medical Center
-Southern Philippines Medical Center
-Cotabato Medical Center
Vergeire said these hospitals are deemed fit to function as laboratories because they have the necessary systems, processes and structure.
The DOH, she said, will provide additional equipment and supplies to the seven regional hospitals aside from the assistance to come from the World Health Organization.
Vergeire believes this will help to improve the healthcare system in the country.
Although the COVID-19 is still raging, there is still the need to focus on other ailments such as measles, rubella and others.