THE FORMER Sto. Niño hospital will now be named Baguio Critical Care Center dedicated for the care and recovery of Covid–19 positive patients in the city.

Doctor Rowena Galpo, Baguio City health services officer, said the plan for Sto. Niño is to be a dedicated Covid-19 center where all patients of the virus will be placed.

Doctor Willy Occidental has so far been designated as its administrator according to the health officer while other key positions have yet to be filled up.

Galpo said carpentry and plumbing work is being done at the former hospital with its organizational structure being overseen by Saint Louis University Hospital Medical Director Dr. Paul Quitiquit.

The city health official added there is a massive need of funds for the operation of the facility but now is being filled by a strong community approach.

“Malaking pera kailangan natin but the Department of Health (DOH) is sharing resources and other hospitals have also committed,” the health officer relayed.

The exclusive critical care unit will enable the city to segregate Covid-19 patients from non Covid-19 patients and free the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and other hospitals from contamination risks.

Doctors and experts on infectious diseases have assured the facility will be protected and contained to avoid danger to the community.

City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña said the city will install proper solid and liquid waste disposal, fire prevention, sewer, electrical, plumbing and security systems in the building.

Medical and housekeeping facilities and manpower will again be pooled from the various hospitals, DOH and the city government. (With a report from the Baguio City Public Information Office)