NEGRENSES can now enjoy a little peace of mind as the first Negros Occidental Covid-19 Molecular Laboratory at Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) in Silay City has finally opened on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Provincial Hospital Chief Dr. Ma. Estrella Ledesma, Dr. Mary Ann Maestral Palermo, and Fr. Chad Gayares and others graced the blessing and inauguration of the center, which was established inside TLJPH.
The TLJPH is now a certified Covid-19 laboratory approved by the Department of Health's Health Facilities and Services Regulation Bureau Director IV Lawyer Nicolas B. Lutero, III, CESO III.
The lab is fully operational and is going to have the first week as its proficiency week to ensure it can operate in its full capacity.
Lacson said that the lab can test more Negrenses in a timely manner, especially returning overseas Filipino workers, locally stranded individuals and returning Negrenses.
Golez said the first Covid-19 laboratory testing center serves as a morale booster to all Negrenses, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the provincial hospital will be able to test suspected carriers.
"Congratulations to the province of Negros Occidental under the leadership of our beloved Governor Lacson with the support of 3rd District Congressman Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez and former Congressman Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez, " Golez said.
Ledesma said the new laboratory is a "Gift of Pentecost."
She expressed her sincere gratitude to Lacson, Cong. Kiko Benitez and former Cong. Albee Benitez and Provincial Administrator Diaz; to the hardworking laboratory staff headed by Maruja M. Japzon for her dedication and sacrifice; to PBSP headed by Rey Laguda for the negative pressure laboratory turned over to the hospital in 2018 intended for the TB Culture program.
"Because of this, we were able finish all requirements in less than 45 days from the time of application to licensing. Last but not the least, to my indefatigable Chief of Clinics Dr. Ann Maestral for never giving up on our dream," Ledesma said.