RITM halts HIV drug resistance, viral load testing to focus on COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Research for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has suspended its HIV drug resistance and viral load testing to focus on its response against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

RITM on Monday said it will “refocus its available manpower and resources to augment the needs” of the ongoing efforts against the highly contagious respiratory illness.

“In line with the ongoing RITM COVID-19 response, HIV drug resistance testing and viral load testing services in the Institute will be temporarily suspended until further notice,” it said in an advisory posted on Facebook.

Some laboratory and hospital services of RITM have also been temporarily put on hold as it shifts the attention of its manpower and resources in the fight against COVID-19.

https://www.facebook.com/RITMPH/photos/a.594293514015354/2682990725145612/?type=3&theater

The hospital earlier issued a notice of job vacancies for additional manpower amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

RITM is the main laboratory from among the seven hospitals in the country accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct COVID-19 testing. DOH previously said that RITM so far carries out 1,000 tests for COVID-19 per day.

To date, the Philippines have 3,246 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease, with 152 deaths and 64 recoveries.

KGA