The Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Iloilo City has been accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to perform tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Tayo po ay nagseset-up na ng dalawa pang sub-national laborator[ies]. Iyan po ay sa Western Visayas Medical Center at sa Bicol Public Health Laboratory,” Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press conference on Friday, March 20.
The DOH will be sending two medical technologists and COVID-19 kits to the city.
“Dahil dito mas mapapabilis na po ang mga resulta ng tests,” Vergeire said.
Samples taken from patients suspected to be infected with the coronavirus in Iloilo and in other parts of Panay as well as in Guimaras will no longer be sent to Manila once the WVMC laboratory becomes operational.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said he was “very thankful and grateful” for the immediate action taken by Health Sec. Francisco Duque III to accredit WVMC.
“The whole Panay and Guimaras will never forget this act of the national government,” he said.
There are currently 36 patients under investigation and 1,523 persons under monitoring (PUMs) for COVID-19 in Iloilo City.IMT
