By mid-April, the government should be able to convert the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Halls as a treatment facility for Covid-19 patients, a ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Tuesday.
Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain of the Public Works Task Force to Facilitate Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities said contractor EEI Corp.’s “commitment” to transform the Forum Halls of the PICC into Covid-19 facilities is “within two weeks.”
Once completed, the facility can serve 630 patients. It will be under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).
Likewise, Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the department will implement the same initiative in the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay and Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Ayala Development Corp. and Makati Development Corp. will handle the WTC, while the Razon Group will undertake the Ninoy Aquino Basketball Stadium of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Hospitals and health-care facilities in different parts of the country are filled beyond capacity with patients, and the government, following examples from abroad and expert advice, found it prudent to augment their capacities by converting facilities into temporary health-care sites, specifically designed to accommodate Covid-19 patients or those suspected of being infected.
Aside from the three facilities, the public works department is looking at using the open spaces of the WTC, PhilSports Arena, Rizal Coliseum, Quezon Memorial Circle, University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for prototype tents that will serve as isolation facilities for suspected cases.
A total of 747 tents may be deployed in these areas, which can accommodate up to 7,470 patients.
Likewise, the department is looking at using the old Casino Filipino building near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 as an isolation facility.
Image credits: maps.google.com