The Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC) in Misamis Occidental province on Thursday formally opened its PHP50-million worth isolation wing that can accommodate more coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients.

Medical Center Chief, Dr. Jesus Martin Sanciangco III, said the rooms were originally designed as private wards but because of the pandemic, it would be used for Covid-19 patients. It shall have a room for medical staff where they can put on personal protective equipment before they enter the patient’s room, in compliance with World Health Organization standards.

The new building has five levels, with 17 private room facilities for Covid-19 patients and three rooms for doctors, nurses, and staff.

Sanciangco said the budget for building construction was sourced from Bayanihan 2.

“This building is part of the budget of 2020 discrepant, part of the upgrading of the hospital. Then we also have a budget from the Bayanihan for the isolation released last January. Here we can see the joint effort of the LGU (local government unit) and the management of the hospital to build an isolation center that can be used for Covid patients,” Misamis Occidental 2nd District Rep. Henry Oaminal said.

Meanwhile, Ozamiz City Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal reiterated to strictly follow the minimum health standards to contain the increasing cases in the city.

“We continue to appeal to everyone, not only in the city of Ozamiz but in the whole province of Misamis Occidental. We can prevent further spread if we continue to cooperate or if we show more support to the government by following the mandates and following the health protocols,” he said.

The isolation unit is part of the government’s Covid-19 response to augment bed capacity nationwide. The new isolation building will start operating by the second week of June for Covid-19 patients. (PNA)