Red Cross aims for 12,000 COVID-19 tests daily

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) aims to test 12,000 individuals per day once all of the 12 machines are set up in Metro Manila, said Sen. Richard Gordon, Red Cross chair.

The Red Cross has initially set up two machines at its Mandaluyong laboratory, which has been accredited by the Department of Health.

Six more polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines would be placed in Mandaluyong, and four in the PRC’s Manila office.

Gordon cites the assistance from both the government and the private sector behind Red Cross laboratories and new ones it plans to set up.

He said he acted as coordinator, but the importation of the PCR machines and other equipment for the COVID 19 testing was the result of collective efforts by public and private individuals and groups.

Gordon said the Department of Foreign Affairs helped the Red Cross to import the PCR machines from China.

He also had to charter a flight from Philippine Airlines to get the machines here, he said in a phone interview.

Partners from the private sector include Megaworld Corp., Puregold, Metrobank Foundation, Security Bank, Rebisco, Carlos Chan, Okada, the Lucio Tan group, and the Ayalas. These partners also provided ambulances, tents, personal protective equipment and other donations, Gordon said.

One laboratory could cost P18 million, the senator said, which is why he said he is grateful to the donors.

“I just bought the items and coordinated the logistics,” Gordon said, adding that the PRC also spent its own funds.

Mass testing is necessary to beat the disease, he said. “You cannot beat this disease, it will continue to grow, unless we are able to test and isolate and heal and help our people. That’s the fastest way to do it,” the senator said.

—LEILA B. SALAVERRIA