CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “Our very own RT-PCR is now ready to serve!”
Thus, announced the Green City Medical Center here on its Facebook page Saturday, saying that it has passed 100 percent its proficiency testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
The GCMC is the first private hospital in Pampanga to have a dedicated molecular laboratory making it ready to accept reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for the coronavirus disease.
“This will not be possible without the untiring support of the local government of San Fernando, DOH, and the brilliant staff of Green City who worked so hard to make this happen. To God be the Glory!” read the post in the FB page.
It can be recalled that last April 14, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago signed a memorandum of agreement with Dr. Hazel P. Peñafiel, president and chief executive officer of GCMC, for the establishment of a partnership between the parties to “immediately begin massive testing activities in an effort to minimize and, hopefully, drastically reduce cases or Covid-19 infections within San Fernando.”
As one of the tertiary health facilities in the capital city, the GCMC, classified as a Level 2 Hospital by the Department of Health, was considered by the LGU as it has the capability of conducting the testing of patients probably infected with Covid-19.
“As early as February, the city has been already planning about the testing. We took the pandemic seriously that’s why we came up with this MOA with the Green City. And I thank them for embracing this challenge. In times like this, what we really need is service—a selfless service—whether in the government or in the private sector.” So was Santiago quoted as saying.
Under the MOA, the health care institution will take charge in complying with the standards in the physical set up of the laboratory to serve as accredited testing facility; and be responsible in the licensing requirements for accreditation with the RITM and thePhilippine Health Insurance Corp.
For its part, the LGU will coordinate with GCMC on the schedules of Covid-19 testings; procure the RT-PCR machine, test kits, and other accessory equipment to be used in the testing; provide capability building activities to GCMC health workers and support staff to ensure the proper handling, use and maintenance of the machine and test kits; assist in the licensing requirements for the RITM and PhilHealth accreditation; and, augment the manpower such as medical technologists and administrative aides to expedite testing and release of result/findings.
Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin said City Council Resolution 2020-060 authorized the city mayor to enter into agreements with the GCMC for the establishment of testing centers in the city. – With CSF-CIO
