HOSPITALS in Metro Manila are slowly getting packed but not with cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a televised public briefing, National Patient Navigation and Referral Center (NPNRC) Operations Manager Dr. Bernadett Velasco said more and more non-Covid patients are filling up hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR).
"As we can see, we are slowly seeing NCR hospitals getting higher occupancy rates with non-Covid cases," said Velasco.
"Non-Covid (cases) are slowly rising in hospitals as they are able to go to the emergency room or emergency department," she added.
She noted how the decline in Covid-19 cases and the easing of restrictions paved the way for patients to go to hospitals.
"Those with chronic diseases or uncontrolled illnesses are now able to consult their doctors," said Velasco.
In a bid to prevent NCR hospitals from being overwhelmed, the official of the former One Hospital Command Center (OHCC) said they are closely coordinating with hospitals outside Metro Manila.
"What we are currently doing is we coordinate with other regions so that they can also maximize their rooms or available services so that not everybody will go to NCR hospitals," said Velasco.
Previously, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) noted how it has been having an average of 150 patients in its emergency room despite having a 70-bed capacity.
PGH said most of its cases are not Covid, but more of patients with pneumonia, diabetes, and ailments in their hearts, lungs, and kidneys. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)