Robredo pushes use of mobile laboratories

VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Wednesday urged local chief executives to put up mobile laboratories to give the public an option, as hospitals in the NCR Plus bubble remained full.

“There are lots of patients who need X-ray, who need blood tests, for the doctor to know how they can be helped,” Robredo said.

The Office of the Vice President is currently testing a mobile lab in Quezon City as part of the online teleconsultation program Bayanihan E-Konsulta. A video posted on Robredo’s page showed the mobile lab along with two ambulances.

A mobile Covid-19 testing site complemented the mobile lab.

“It’s very doable, especially in LGUs (local government units) where hospitals are really congested,” she said.

Robredo explained that the procedure entails the deployment of ambulances to pick up patients for lab tests. The ambulances will also serve as “waiting areas” for those who have yet to undergo testing.

“We looked for a place that’s decent and ventilated. I’m only sharing this with you because it’s very replicable and very doable.”

Robredo added that the initiative could be done at least once a week, noting that it would reduce the number of people lining up in hospitals where they may be exposed to the virus.

“’Patients here have been telling us that this is a huge relief for them. They no longer need to go to the hospital. If many of us will do this, I think it would really help lessen the number of people going to hospitals,” she said.