New lab to boost COVID testing in Iloilo City

The operations of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) molecular laboratory at the Alternative Learning System (ALS) building in Brgy. San Pedro, Molo is expected to start in October, boosting the testing capacity of the metro.

The molecular laboratory, which can process up to 800 specimens daily, will augment the COVID-19 laboratories in the city and hasten the release of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test results of the patients, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.

On Tuesday, the Iloilo City government received an RNA extraction machine worth P3 million, 22 boxes of viral Nucleic Acid (NA) kits at 96 pieces per box, and an IMI Ventilator Set from the AC Energy Philippines of the Ayala Corporation.

According to the mayor, the equipment donated by AC Energy will be stationed at the COVID-19 molecular laboratory of the city government and will ensure the fast turn-around time of test results.

AC Energy health and safety officer Sweden Derla said they want to help the city government fast track the release of the test results among patients in the city.

“We want to help address COVID especially in faster releasing of results as a response. We are thankful to Mayor Treñas for helping together hand in hand for the benefit of the Ilonggos,” Derla said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government also received 20,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) donations from the Department of Health (DOH).
The PPE sets will be distributed to the city hospitals; specifically 1,000 PPE sets to the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) and 500 PPE sets each to St. Paul’s Hospital; Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital; Iloilo Mission Hospital; Medicus Hospital; Seamen’s Hospital; The Medical City; and Qualimed.

Treñas said the donations will be helpful in easing the hospital bills of the patients who are now charged for the PPE sets of medical personnel in all hospitals.

“Dako gid ini nga bulig para sa pumuluyo nga mabuhinan ila nga hospital bills,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. (ERS)