THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) allocated P14.2 million to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) for the procurement of medical and laboratory supplies to carry out diagnostic testing for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Barmm Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim and Dr. Helen Yambao, CRMC chief of Hospital, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday, April 13, specifying therein the manner of the fund utilization.
Under the MOA, the CRMC will utilize the fund for the procurement of medical, laboratory supplies and reagents; improvement or renovation of the CRMC laboratory; salary of contractual laboratory personnel; training of personnel; and maintenance and other operating expenses.
“This will make them [CRMC] one step closer in being an accredited and capable laboratory to conduct the very important Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for Covid-19 patients,” Ebrahim said.
Ebrahim noted that at the existing capabilities of hospitals in the region, the CRMC is the closest among the hospitals in meeting the requirements and technical capabilities of conducting PCR or laboratory test for Covid-19.
“Indeed, we are in difficult times. We are dealing with an enemy that we cannot see with our naked eyes, an enemy that has overwhelmed our health care systems worldwide. Through our cooperation, understanding, and strong faith in Allah, we are confident that we will surpass this challenge,” Ebrahim said.
Yambao said the allocation of funds by Barmm is a great help to them considering how the Covid-19 has spread globally and in pandemic proportions.
She said the funding allocation will greatly help the Barmm and Region 12 in the isolation of Covid-19 patients as well as in the mitigation of the spread of the virus in the community.
They have so far attended some 148 patients, 19 of which were recorded as patients under investigation while six were tested positive of Covid-19 since the health crisis hit Cotabato City, Yambao added.
“The rest of the patients, the PUMS (persons under monitoring) and the mild PUIs have not been tested, and were only advised to go on home quarantine for at least 14 days,” she said. (SunStar Zamboanga)