Private hospitals group fears possible COVID-19 surge with eased health protocols

(MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) on Friday said it is worried about a potential surge in COVID-19 cases because of the relaxed health protocols and lack of health workers.

In a Laging Handa public briefing, PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said the hospital utilization rate is currently at low risk, but concerns linger.

“But then, ‘pag tumaas po ‘yan, ‘yun po ang pinapangambahan ng mga hospitals, especially po ‘yung private hospitals.

(The possible surge in patient admission worries hospitals, especially private hospitals.)

“Kasi po alam niyo naman po na ngayon, right now, kulang tayo sa ating mga healthcare workers, especially mga nurses po,” de Grano pointed out.)

(Because you know, right now, we lack healthcare workers, especially nurses.)

Earlier, the Department of Health said the country has a shortage of about 106,000 nurses.

In September, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. allowed the optional wearing of face masks in “open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.”

The Department of Health said it expects as many as 18,000 new COVID-19 cases daily towards the end of the year due to the eased face mask rule.

 gsg/abc