THE Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-Barmm) is currently working on the possibility of setting up hospitals solely dedicated to handling coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients.

Dr. Saffrulah Dipatuan, Minister of Health, said they are studying which among the existing medical facilities in the region can be converted into a Covid-19 referral hospital.

"Kapag na-identify sila as Covid-19 hospital, hindi na sila tatanggap ng ibang pasyente na hindi Covid-19 case," Dipatuan added.

Dipatuan also said that the Barmm is addressing, in every way it can, all the challenges they are facing amid Covid-19 pandemic.

He said this includes the provision of medical supplies, relief distribution, and Covid-19 awareness campaign for its constituents all over the region.

With the high demand for medical supplies, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), Dipatuan said the MOH-Barmm has been fortunate enough to deliver stocks to the provinces and cities of the region.

But Dipatuan admitted that the supplies are not enough should there be a spike of Covid-19 cases in Barmm.

He also said they will install more ventilators in the hospitals of Barmm, including the two Department of Health-retained hospitals such as the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City and Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Lanao del Sur. (SunStar Zamboanga)