ILOILO – The plan to convert accommodation establishments near district hospitals into extension hospitals is being considered, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
The number of dedicated beds for coronavirus disease patients in 12 district hospitals and at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital here has reached “critical level”.
“Nagapangita na kita sang accommodation establishments, resorts or hotels sa palibot sang kada district hospital then we will make them as extensions,” Defensor said.
According to the governor, the provincial government is currently conducting a survey on all viable establishments that can be repurposed. These hospital extensions are planned to be for asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms.
Doctors and personnel from district hospitals and Rural Health Units (RHUs) will also be tasked to oversee these patients.
Ambulances will be on standby, too, to transfer patients to hospitals when necessary.
Defensor said many asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms would rather stay in hospitals than in quarantine facilities.
“Damo gusto magpa-hospital although indi man kinahanglan kay asymptomatic or mild lang man ila nabatyagan nga sintomas. That is the problem… We will add more capacity, buloligan ini monitor sang hospitals and Rural Health Units,” Defensor said.
Data from the Hospital Management Office (HMO) showed 66.88 percent (214) of 320 COVID-dedicated beds were already occupied, while beds for non-COVID patients reached a 50.74 percent occupancy rate.
Defensor is also developing quarantine facilities in the barangay and municipal levels. The governor said this would not only decongest district hospitals but also to let patients stay near their families.
He said: “Ginapa-develop naton at the barangay and municipal level ang Ligtas COVID-19 Centers because it is better to isolate and quarantine our constituents kon lapit sila sa ila balay. Ang psycho-social aspect sang problema mas maayo sa ila. Kis-a palayuon mo sila and put them in a small room dasun cellphone lang gina-uyatan nila… it does no good sa pinsar sang aton pumoluyo.”
However, Defensor said district hospitals are ready to stretch their bed capacities in case COVID-19 infections continue to surge.
The provincial government is also hiring more personnel as well as leveling up their equipment and medicines.
Plans have also been drawn to use the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City as a temporary treatment and monitoring facility./PN
