DAVAO CITY- The Department of Health has asked its regional office to canvass the price for the construction of a negative pressure facility in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Guesting at Kapihan sa Abreeza at the Abreeza Ayala Mall today (August 29) DOH-XI Regional Director Abdullah Dumama Jr. M.D. said the facility is aimed at isolating potential Ebola Virus Disease patients in the region.
A Negative pressure room uses a ventilation technique which generates negative pressure to the air flow
into the room but does not allow it to flow out.
Dumama said the DOH is preparing for any eventuality in case the Ebola virus is found in the region. However aside from Ebola, the negative pressure rooms can also be used to isolate patients stricken with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), MERS-COV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), Avian Flu and other deadly highly contagious diseases.
“We really need this kind of facility.” Dumama said, adding that in case Ebola is found in the locality medical personnel can handle patients using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Dumama said there used to be an isolation facility intended for SARS victims in SPMC but has been converted into other uses as SARS didn’t enter the region.
Ebola virus disease is a severe disease with a fatality rate of up to 90%. Transmission is through direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected people and animals. There is no known cure for the disease. There is an epidemic in areas of West Africa and as of August 26 there has been a recorded 3,069 cases and 1,552 deaths. (PIA/RG Alama)
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