THE National Patient Navigation and Referral Center (formerly the ONE Hospital Command Center) noted a slight increase in occupancy rates among non-COVID-19 cases in hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Dr. Bernadette Velasco, operations manager of the National Patient Navigation and Referral Center, said the main reason is because of the continued decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the region.
That is why those with chronic diseases now have the opportunity to go to hospitals for their follow-up check ups.
For the past two years, individuals with non-COVID-19 ailments were afraid to go to hospitals because of the high number of COVID-19 cases at that time and they are avoiding contracting the disease.
That is why Velasco said they are already coordinating with hospitals in other regions in order to fully maximize their rooms so there’s no need for patients to go to hospitals in the NCR.
While here in Metro Manila, health services and facilities are being used optimally so that not all patients need to go to specialized care facilities such as the Philippine General Hospital.
For now, Velasco said their service remains open 24 hours so that the public may have someone to call in case there is a need for medical assistance.
Velasco further reminded that they attend to not just COVID-19 cases but also other ailments.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Philippine Information Agency)