MEDICAL frontliners are seeking materials for homemade protective gears.
Doctor Raymond Oribio from Notre Dame Hospital said “since we project this problem to be a long fight, donations for the raw materials would be nice,” adding volunteers may assemble the shields at their homes to avoid exposure and donate at local hospitals.
The improvised face shields have been made by a team of doctors from Philippine College of Physicians Northern Luzon Chapter who responded to the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) with 15 doctors and staff who began work this week.
“So while not on frontline duty, we (Notre Dame Doctors) decided to start making as many as we can with the goal of providing for all hospitals of Baguio-Benguet,” Oribio said.
The Philippine College of Physicians is a collegial body composed of internists and all subspecialties dealing with diseases in the Adult led by Northern Luzon president Dr. Ruel Revilla.
“Since PPEs are difficult to procure, our health workers have to make their own face shields. We are calling on volunteer groups to make improvised face shields for our front-liners and to donate them to hospitals near you. Please include smaller hospitals as well,” Oribio said.
The team was able to make 95 pieces on the first day (Tuesday) and were all distributed to all hospitals.
“We already identified this as a primary need among front-liners in all hospitals. And we are responding to that need,” Oribio added.
On Thursday, the Baguio- Benguet Medical Society, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine and a voluntary civilian group started to produce face shields as well.
Oribio said everyone has role to play in the fight against Covid-19 and uses the hashtag #Everyonehasarole and #FytCOVID19 PHCAN when posting on social media to elicit support and awareness for all to help overcome the worldwide medical emergency.
Drop off areas for donated materials will be announced soon.