Mindanao News
Frontliners fear PPE supply shortage
By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – Health authorities here have expressed concern on the dwindling supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the frontliners in combatting the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Dr. Leopoldo Vega, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) medical center chief, said they are currently looking for suppliers in Manila to purchase the equipment.
and frontliners with more PPE. Meanwhile, Dr. Maridee Sebumpan, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (ERID) team member of Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), said “Were getting donations, but the they still have PPE supplies but also worry problem is sustainability. We are looking in case of an influx of Covid-19 cases. for suppliers for PPE’s so that we will have “We have the PPE’s but we don’t a constant supply,” Vega said in a press know how long we can handle this,” she briefing on Wednesday. said. He added that the PPE, which mostly are disposables, can easily be procured by the government and what they are only eying is the right supplier.
Apart from PPE, Sebumpan also said that N95 masks, which are also in short supply, are also important for the frontliners.
Vega added that they are not certain as to when the fight against Covid-19 will be over and they are in dire need to be provided with the desired resources during this time.
However, she said that they are also given intervention by various institutions in terms of other needed support by the frontliners, such as food, transportation, and accommodation.
“By that kind of strategy, the workers are given the support that they need especially the desired kind of protection so that they don’t get contaminated,” he said.
“We extend our thanks to everyone who helped us in this fight,” Sebumpan added.
SPMC and DRMC are the only two public hospitals in the region which have He also called on the help of the capability and expertise to handle donors who can provide health workers Covid-19 patients. (PNA)
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Caraga INFOCUS
March 21-27, 2020
