Pangasinan extends partnership with BGHMC
FOR RT-PCR TESTS
ALTHOUGH the Pangasinan Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory is already operational, the provincial government has decided to continue its partnership with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for the processing of specimens for Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test from the province.
This was underscored by Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario when he sought approval of a provincial resolution authorizing Gov. Amado Espino III to sign the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Pangasinan and BGHMC for the continuation of RT-PCR processing of specimens from Pangasinan.
The need for the extension was decided upon because the Pangasinan Molecular Lab at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City can only process specimens submitted by the 14 provincial government-run hospitals and some of fatalities considered as Persons Under Investigation.
According to Dr. Anna de Guzman, provincial health officer, the Pangasinan Molecular Lab can only process a maximum of 180 specimens per day, at least 90 are coming out at 10:30 a.m. and another 90 at 11:30 a.m. only from Monday to Friday.
She said the samples are from individuals who need to take the RT-PCR test before they can be admitted for surgical operations in the 14 hospitals being operated by the provincial government.
She added that specimens submitted by towns and cities, including those taken from other private individuals are still being submitted to the BGH for processing.
She said a team of medical technologists are still being trained so they can process the specimens turned over by LGUs and will only also be on duty on weekends.
De Guzman said the BGHMC will also serve as back-up of the provincial government in the event the RT-PCR machines of the Pangasinan. Molecular Laboratory bog down.
Pangasinan also has a partnership with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) in San Fernando City, La Union. (Leonardo Micua)
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