THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution requesting Philhealth through its president and chief executive officer to consider increasing its subsidy to persons under investigation (PUI) of the novel coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.
The resolution was authored by Council Cindy Rojas, chairperson of the City Council committee on health.
Rojas said as of February 11, Philippines has recorded three confirmed cases of 2019 coronavirus and 382 PUIs.
She said Mayor Evelio Leonardia also issued Executive Order creating the Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force against nCoV, for the purpose of taking necessary preparations to repel and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in the city.
She added the Department of Health (DOH) referred to the cases as non-specific pancoronavirus, which means it could be the Covid-19 or any of the four existing coronavirus that can infect humans.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from common cold to more serious infections such as Mers-CoV and Sars-CoV. Common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.
“It is very important for Bacolodnons to take an active role in combating the Covid-19 threat staying vigilant through promoting proper hygiene and sanitation within our respective premises,” Rojas said.
She said the Philhealth’s subsidy for coronavirus infection as stated in its list of medical case rates for primary care facilities, infirmaries, dispensaries item B34.2 are only P2,800 for first rate, P840 professional fee, and P1,960 for health care institution fee.
She added that there are some PUIs who would opt to undergo quarantine in private health facilities or hospitals.