LGU expands swab, X-ray tests
City officials said this partnership will allow the local government to test more residents and subsequently reinforce its contact tracing efforts
The Quezon City local government is working with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and private diagnostics clinic Hi-Precision to further increase its capacity to test residents and expedite the diagnosis of those with Covid-19.
The partnership will allow the city to pool all available resources and immediately address the needs of the most affected communities.
In a memorandum of agreement signed between the local government and PRC, the latter signified its intention to allocate 8,000 RT-PCR test kits to the city, worth around P3,400 each.
City officials said this partnership will allow the local government “to test more residents and subsequently reinforce its contact tracing efforts.”
Under the partnership, results are expected to be released at a faster turnaround time.
Meanwhile, the QC local government has also inked a partnership with Hi-Precision diagnostics clinic, where the latter has offered to lend its two mobile X-ray units for the city’s use.
The units, which are worth P3.6 million, will be set up in two of the city’s Hope facilities and cater to the patients.
“The idea is to decongest our hospitals by putting these machines in our Hope facilities, so that our mild to moderate or asymptomatic patients can have their X-ray done at the soonest time possible,” a city official said.
The QC local government plans to open three additional testing centers to cater to individuals who are manifesting flu-like symptoms and those who were exposed to Covid-positive patients in the communities.
The community-based testing centers are in Toro Hill Basketball Court (District 1), Payatas Super Health Center (District 2), Old Balara Covered Court (District 3), Amoranto Stadium (District 4), SB Park Novaliches (District 5) and Talipapa Senior High School (District 6).
All centers operate Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.