4 COVID-19 testing labs still suspended for failure to comply with reporting requirements

MANILA, Philippines — Four laboratories that are testing for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remain suspended for their failure to submit test results on time, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Friday.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said that so far, five laboratories have been suspended for their failure to meet reporting requirements.

“Isa doon sa lima, nakapag-comply na siya and nakapagbigay na siya ng commitment sa amin and suspension was lifted already,” Vergeire said.

(One of those five have already complied and has committed to follow the reporting guidelines and suspension was lifted already.)

“May apat pa tayo na suspendido sa ngayon and until they can fully comply with the requirements for reporting, tsaka tayo magli-lift ng suspension,” she added.

(We still have four laboratories that are still suspended and when they fully comply with the requirements for reporting, that’s when we will lift the suspension.)

Vergeire earlier said the health department has been issuing warnings to laboratories who fail to submit their test results on time but there are still facilities that are non-compliant.

The DOH reminded all testing facilities to submit their test results on time, otherwise, their licenses could be suspended.

Vergeire said as soon as the suspension on the laboratories is issued, concerned government agencies are also informed.

/MUF