Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda launching new programfor Covid-19 patients in a virtual public address. Contributed photo
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — To cope with the rising cases of the coronavirus disease and the decreasing number in available hospital beds, Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda launched the Home Care Service Program (HCSP), reportedly the first of its kind in the country.
The program, in partnership with the Department of Health and several private hospitals, is set to be implemented for three months primarily for Covid-19 patients awaiting admission in private hospitals.
“Imbes na maghintay ng lima hanggang anim na praw, dito ginagamot ka na. Nagsasalba tayo ng buhay,” Pineda said.
The governor noted that as of late April, 939 hospital beds dedicated for Covid-19 cases in the province have reached between high risk to critical risk level while the number of infected persons have risen to more than 3,000.
A total of 268 people or an average of seven persons daily had died of SARS-CoV-2 in the last 45 days.
The situation prompted the need for immediate interventions, foremost of which is the HCSP, Capitol said.
Procedure
After patients enroll in HCSP at the hospital of their choice, they will be assessed in the emergency rooms or undergo tests or procedures. If their condition allows home care, they will be sent home with medicines.
Vehicles to be used by doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff will be issued car passes signed by the governor for travel to and from the HCSP patient’s home. These vehicles are known to the police and barangay.
Once rooms are readily available or if the need arises, they will be prioritized for admission.
“Yung national government pinag-aaralan na ito pero sa probinsya ng Pampanga magsisimula na ang implementation nito,” the governor noted.
As of May 1, there are already nine HCSP-accredited hospitals while more hospitals are still submitting their letter of intent for accreditation by the provincial government.
The nine hospitals are Green City Medical Center and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga Medical Specialist Hospital in Guagua, St. Rafael Foundation and Medical Center in Mabalacat City, Pampanga Premiere Medical Center in Apalit, AUF Medical Center in Angeles City, Holy Trinity General Hospital in Arayat, St. John Paul II Medical Center in Magalang, and The Medical City Clark inside the Clark Freeport. These hospitals have the capacity to handle moderate to severe cases.
Pineda said only patients who have rooms with toilets at home and whose family members agree to be locked down can avail themselves of the program.
“Mag-a-isolate at mala–lockdown kayo sa inyong kwarto for 14 days. Pati mga kasama ninyo sa bahay naka–lockdown para hindi kayo maka-infect o makahawa,” he said.
“Kailangan po natin gawin ito, dahil kapag nag–down ang health system natin mas marami pong Kapampangan ang mamamatay,“ the governor added.
Pineda also said that Diosdado P. Macapagal Provincial Memorial Hospital in Guagua is also capable of handling COVID-19 patients. It has supplies of medicines needed by moderately to severely infected patients.
The provincial government has more than 1,200 isolations rooms for mild symptomatic patients. —Luisse Rutao/Pampanga PIO
