OVP’s Bayanihan E-Konsulta notes surge in COVID-19 calls; VP on graveyard shift

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Vice President ‘s (OVP) Bayanihan E-Konsulta program has received over 400 COVID-19-related calls a day in the past week, its chief of staff Undersecretary Philip Dy bared on Sunday.

Bayanihan E-Konsulta is a teleconsultation program launched by the Vice President Leni Robredo and the OVP on April 7 to help address the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Robredo herself, Dy said, is often n the graveyard shift.

“Ramdam na ramdam din namin ‘yung pag-increase ng cases doon sa aming Bayanihan E-Konsulta free teleconsult project. Nitong nakaraang linggo lang, on average nakaka-more than 400 cases per day kami na pumapasok,” Dy said in the Biserbisyong Leni program.

(We are feeling the increase in cases in our Bayanihan E-Konsulta free teleconsult project.  Last week, on average, we received more than 400 cases per day.)

The past week’s average cases significantly climbed from an average of 100 cases per day in June and July, Dy said.

VP on graveyard shift

With the spike in patients seeking help, Robredo herself tends to individuals needing assistance late at night.

Vice President Leni Robredo (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

“Si VP mismo lagi ‘yang nagge-graveyard shift. Simula alas-onse or midnight, nakatutok na po ‘yan sa emergency thread namin tsaka sa LGU referral thread para kung meron talagang emergency na mangyari, kailangan i-facilitate agad sa ospital or itawag sa local government unit para rumesponde at makatugon dun sa pangangailangan ng pamilya o pasyente,” Dy shared.

(The vice president herself is often on graveyard shift. Starting 11 p.m. or midnight, she is focused on the emergency thread and LGU referral thread so that in case of an emergency, we can coordinate with hospitals or local government units  and address the needs of patients.)

Volunteers wanted

The OVP also recently called on volunteers for Bayanihan E-Konsulta to provide continuous free service to Filipinos in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan, and Laguna.

The Bayanihan E-Konsulta also seeks to decongest hospitals by virtually linking patients and healthcare professionals for consultations.

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