Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said the city government of Manila is preparing more quarantine facilities, including the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila, in case Covid-19 infections continue to rise in the coming weeks.
“Parang Shangri-la, ang ganda. Iniisip ko gawan ng emergency room at iba pang room, pwedeng pang-quarantine,” Moreno said.
Moreno made the remark on Monday as he led Manila city officials in the inspection of the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center as part of the preparation for additional quarantine facilities should the need arises.
READ: Isko Moreno says to focus on combatting Omicron surge, will resume ‘Listening Tour’ later
Joining him in the inspection and tour of the hospital were Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Manila City Engineer Armand Andres and hospital officials and staff.
While touring the large main lobby of the newly-built hospital, Moreno took the opportunity to discuss with them the possibility of transforming a portion of the hospital as possible Covid-19 quarantine facility.
“Imagine mo pag na-enclose natin to, baka pwede pang lumobo ‘yung Covid mauubusan ng quarantine. Tutal segregated naman to tapos may sariling access. Eto, sasarado natin to. Kasi may access doon eh. Tapos eto gawan na lang natin to, maabatan lang kasi hindi natin alam ang mangyayari eh,” Moreno said.
Moreno was amazed on how big and modern the new hospital is particularly the emergency room and how well the construction was done by those involved in the project.
“I think eto ang pinakamalaking emergency room na nakita ko sa buhay ko. ‘Yan oh, pag dito sila e-entrance tapos meron ka pang triage oh. Secluded ‘yun eh. In our mind pwedeng fall back ito. At least importante ready na lahat,” said Moreno.
“Kaya ko naisip kasi baka mamaya magkaubusan ng quarantine at least ito aircon tapos secluded. Walang exit ito eh,” he added.
According to Engineer Andres, the emergency room of the newly-constructed Ospital ng Maynila is bigger than the Asian Hospital in Alabang. With a floor area of 29,951 square meters, the 10-story hospital is expected to have its soft-opening this January.
The New Ospital ng Maynila is part of the continuous development being undertaken by the City Government of Manila to improve medical facilities and provide Manileños with quality health care and service.
The medical facility has a 384-bed capacity with 12 intensive care units (ICUs), and 20 private rooms. It has a three-story parking building and a helipad for emergency medical evacuations.
The old building of the 52-year facility will be used by students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine once the new hospital becomes operational.