In view of the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, local doctors formulated policies and guidelines in order to deliver the best care we can give to our patients and clients. Dr. Ruel Revilla, head of the Philippine College of Physicians Northern Luzon Chapter task force, summarizes what have been done:
A command center has been set-up at Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital where donations are received, ready for distribution to different hospitals in Baguio City and Benguet. More than 1,000 N95 masks and 20 gallons of alcohol, boxes of gloves, surgical caps, surgical booties have been distributed to BGHMC, SLU Hospital, Notre Dame Hospital, Pines City Doctors Hospital, Baguio Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital, Cordillera Hospital of Divine Grace, Luis Hora Hospital, and Atok District Hospital. Donors were towns of Manila, Zonta Club, Ellen Lao, Baguio Water District through General Manager Salvador Royeca, and the association of medical representatives of Baguio City BRAD through its president Alvin Betudio.
Drummed-up support for the procurement and improvisation of personal protective equipment like face shields and gowns made of raincoats or shower curtains.
Printed infographic posters for distribution to public areas.
Created a network of friends and supporters who provide food allocations for the triage team and frontliners of hospitals.
Organized its member doctors to man triage and PUI holding areas.
Collaborated with Baguio-Benguet Medical Society and Baguio City IATF in planning for the eventual opening of an off-site quarantine center.
The task force is comprised of representatives from the following component and affiliate societies of the Philippine College of Physicians and Accredited Training Hospital in Internal Medicine:
Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Philippine Heart Association
Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Philippine Society of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Philippine Society of Nephrology
Diabetes Philippines
Philippine Neurological Association
Philippine Dermatological Society
Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine
Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital
Pines City Doctors Hospital
St. Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart
The task force has submitted its position paper to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and to the director of the Department of Health-Cordillera.
The task is a work in progress and the task force continues to adapt and innovate as guidelines and information are updated.
The command center may be reached through 0939-776-6908, please ask for Christine or RJ.
Medical questions and concerns may be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected].
