THE Iloilo Provincial Government (IPH) is speeding up the establishment of a testing laboratory in Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) in Pototan to detect the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said it is a short-term plan because the province has already been upgrading the provincial hospital prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This is just a short-term plan to develop a laboratory in Pototan that we can use to test Covid-19 patients. But ever since, with or without Covid, we have been developing the Iloilo Provincial Hospital. Except right now, we're doing it with more urgency," he said.

He said the IPH will serve as a third line of defense to combat the disease.

Western Visayas already has one accredited testing center located in Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The West Visayas State University Medical Center is also being prepared as a testing facility.

Defensor said the province has already allotted budget for the upgrading of the hospital.

It will also maximize the financial aid from the National Government that is equivalent to a one month Internal Revenue Allotment share of the province.

The aid is under the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities intended for Covid-19 related initiatives. (PR)