Medical technologists of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) will undergo training on how to operate the newly-installed GeneXpert Xpress laboratory, which will soon be used for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and nearby areas.

Dr. Shalimar S. Rakiin, APMC chief of hospital, said Monday that four APMC personnel will be trained by the Department of Health (DOH)-Research Institute on Tropical Medicine on Tuesday (June 23) inside the facility.

Once they pass the proficiency training, Rakiin said the DOH will issue a license to operate for the testing laboratory.

“The laboratory can cater to 32 laboratory test per day based on real-time polymerase Chain Reaction test (RT-PCR). The laboratory will be headed by Dr. Ash Mapandi of Pathology and Laboratory Department,” Rakiin said.

Rakiin said the laboratory is powered by air-purifying respirators used to safeguard workers from contaminated air, adding that the DOH Central Office has already inspected the laboratory late last week.

Sheila Divnani-Ganda, focal person for Sub-Task Force on the Management of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), said Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. earlier approved the PHP10- million support fund for the installation of the laboratory.

“The province also initially procured at least 5,000 sets of rapid diagnostic test set from the United States and another 5,000 additional sets for the said purpose per recommendation from the DOH,” she said.

As of June 21, the province subjected 2,554 LSIs for rapid diagnostic tests, resulting in 56 Covid-19 positive results,

The province currently has 47 active Covid-19 cases. (PNA)

Photo Credit: PNA/Divina Suson