ILOILO – The provincial government is seeking a faster release of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test results of locally stranded individuals (LSIs).
It has Faster release of COVID test results pushed
advised LSIs to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at Qualimed Hospital in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Qualimed has a newly-opened molecular laboratory capable of performing RT-PCR test – a welcome addition to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) sub-national laboratory which is slow in releasing test results due to the sheer number of specimens it has to analyze from all over Panay and Guimaras islands.
The WVMC laboratory processes an average of 800 specimens a day.
According to Dr. Grace Patricia Trabado, head of the Provincial Health Office, LSIs may use their PhilHealth insurance for the RT-PCR test at Qualimed.
Qualimed’s molecular laboratory can release test results in 24 to 48 hours.
“Ang gin-instruct ni Governor(Arthur Defensor Jr.) for LSIs with PhilHealth, puede sila PCR testing in the private hospital and laboratory bangod makabulig mangin madasig ang paggwa sang result,” said Trabado.
A faster release of test results would lead to faster action on the part of concerned local government units in case an LSI is found to be positive for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, said Trabado.
“Also, mapagwa dayun sa quarantine facility ang LSIs nga negative. Ma-decongest ang mga beds and rooms to accommodate those nga positive. Gina-anticipate naton more LSIs are returning to Iloilo,” added Trabado.
How about LSIs with no PhilHealth?
Trabado said their RT-PCR test would be conducted for free at the WVMC sub-national laboratory but they have to wait longer for the result, and that means they have to stay longer in quarantine facilities./PN
