Philippine health system ”already in the warning zone”by rising COVID-19 cases: DOH

July 28, 2020

The Philippine health care system is ''close to being overwhelmed'' by the surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

In a televised press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire Tuesday said current data on healthcare capacity showed it is  in the "warning zone".

"From 16,388 COVID-19 dedicated beds, 8,577 are being used. This is equivalent to 52.3 percent, meaning we are already in the warning zone,'' said Vergeire.

"What does it mean? Nationally, our health system is close to being overwhelmed," she added.

Department of Health data shows that ICU beds have a 53 percent utilization; isolation beds 51 percent utilization; while ward beds have 57 percent utilization.

The DOH said the National Capital Region (NCR) and Calabarzon (Region IV-A) are  in the "danger zone", which is higher than 70 percent utilization rate.

"We are already in the danger zone for different types of beds, particularly in the 2 regions: NCR and Region IV-A," said Vergeire.

For ICU beds, NCR and Calabarzon are at 73 percent utilization rate; while for ward beds, its  86 percent in the NCR and 72 percent in Calabarzon.

For isolation beds, Metro Manila has an 82 percent rate, while Calabarzon has a 60 percent rate.

The DOH is renewing its appeal to the public to stay at home and follow minimum health standards if they have to leave their homes. DMS