Covid death spike alarms PGH

If there is enough guidance, hopefully, we will prevent more deaths and will prevent further transmission of the virus

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Sunday expressed alarm over the increase in the number of patients who have died of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a radio interview, PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario said at least five to seven Covid patients die daily in the hospital.

“When we look at the data, at least five to seven patients will expire for the day. We did not experience this before. More Covid patients are dying fast,” Del Rosario said.

On Saturday, the Department of Health (DoH) recorded a total of 14,199 deaths because of Covid-19 with 60 additional patients who died because of the virus.

The DoH on Friday reported at least 401 deaths, the country’s highest daily Covid-19 death toll.

“These can be attributed to many factors like, the patients have severe condition when admitted to the hospital. It was too late when they decided to seek consultation or even if they want to be hospitalized, they have a difficult time because hospitals are full,” he said.

Del Rosario added that PGH has already closed two non-Covid wards to increase the number of nurses and doctors attending to patients affected by the virus.

“Patients who are being admitted to the hospital are already suffering from severe to moderate ailments, many are in critical condition, especially with patients with severe cases, there is a need for our healthcare workers to monitor their condition round-the-clock,” he said.

Del Rosario added that while PGH wants to admit more patients, the bed occupancy of the hospital is now at 95 percent while the intensive care unit (ICU) is now at full capacity.

He said that PGH will launch the PGH Covid Gabay program in an effort to address the increasing cases of Covid-19.

“We are getting our alumni, our volunteers, those who graduated from UP College of Medicine, they will man our tele-consultations. They will do this for free for those inquiring about Covid-19,” he said.

“If there is enough guidance, hopefully, we will prevent more deaths and will prevent further transmission of the virus,” he added.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RIO LEONELLE I. DELUVIO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_rio MARKET goers crowd the Marikina public market Sunday despite health protocols to buy food and other essentials since it is closed on Mondays for disinfection.