A RANKING official from the Department of Health (DOH) said the DOH has nothing to do with efforts aimed at dismantling the Manila COVID-19 Hospital in Luneta.
This was made clear by DOH Regional Director Dr. Gloria Balboa during the presentation to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno of the “Chikiting Bakunation Certificate” which was awarded to Moreno in simple ceremonies held in his office at the Manila City Hall. Dr. Ed Santos, chief of the Manila Emergency Operations Center (MEOC), was also present in the said event.
During their talk, Balboa told Moreno that Manila Health Department chief Dr. Poks Pangan had informed her about the request from the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) to already remove the field hospital.
“Sir we’re not aware of that po. Hindi ‘yan kinoordinate sa amin,” Balboa told Moreno.
The mayor said that he objected strongly to the plan of removing the hospital specifically for the flimsy reason that the grounds will be used to hold a concert. Balboa said they at the DOH also object to the said move saying they are even worried about the current increase in the number of COVID cases.
It will be recalled that the reportedly wrote City Hall asking it to remove the hospital for the purpose of using the site for a concert, to which the city objected, citing there are still COVID patients being treated there.
Moreno said that apart from the fact that COVID patients should take precedence over a concert, there is still COVID and that based on guidelines issued by the DOH, local government units are being encouraged to operate their hospitals in such a way that they function for their primary purpose.
“Nawi-weirdohan lang ako bakit nila minamadali, may pandemya pa,” Moreno sighed.
The mayor said that while technically the field hospital may not be a full hospital, it serves its purpose which is to treat COVID patients for free. (Baby Cuevas)
