Dolor airs concern on lack of oxygen tanks
THERE are 961 active COVID-19 cases in Oriental Mindoro, according to the Provincial Health Office. And in just two weeks, 47 deaths were added to the total 369 deaths as of Oct 12, 2021.
As this developed, Gov. Bonz Dolor attended a meeting with the Oriental Mindoro Medical Society (OMMS), Municipal Health Officers (MHOs), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (MDRRMOs), and other stakeholders, doctors and expressed concern to discuss the proliferation of positive patients but large shortage of supplies, especially oxygen tanks.
According to OMMS President Dr. Lorman Goco, it has come to a point that hospitals are borrowing oxygen tanks just to meet the needs of patients who test positive for COVID-19. He added many patients are dying outside the hospital.
MMG Hospital can no longer provide proper care and treatment due to the excessive number of patients but huge lack of oxygen supply, and the limited number of doctors.
The provincial government will be buying oxygen tanks to meet the long-term needs of hospitals, the governor said.
Meanwhile, groups of doctors have requested a two-week total lockdown. However, Dolor said it will not be possible so a granular lockdown will be implemented.
“Until now, the RT-PCR Test Machine that could have been used in the testing laboratory has not arrived. We call for this to be addressed immediately because it has long been a grievance of our hospitals and health workers. I hope this action has been taken since the province is still in the low-risk category. Also, continue to be reminded to adhere to health protocols,” Dolor added.
