The Negros Occidental provincial government is deploying additional personnel and providing more medical supplies and equipment to Cadiz District Hospital, which has been designated as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) center for the province.

This is part of the efforts to prepare the medical facility, located in the northern city of Cadiz, to accommodate patients under investigation (PUIs) and Covid-19 positive Negrenses.

“Cadiz District Hospital is hereby declared and established as the Covid-19 Center for Negros Occidental effective immediately and until the Covid-19 threat is eliminated,” said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in memorandum issued over the weekend.

All PUIs and patients tested positive for Covid-19 that are “considered mild and moderate cases shall be immediately transferred to this hospital where they shall receive proper treatment until they are fit to be discharged,” the governor said.

On the other hand, those considered serious cases shall be immediately referred to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Lacson added.

On March 19, Lacson and the members of the Provincial Covid-19 Task Force, including Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, together with Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., met with the hospital staff led by Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan.

Inspection and assessment of the hospital’s facilities were conducted during the governor’s visit.

Diaz said a team of specialists will be formed to respond to Covid-19 cases. He also said that the provincial government has already asked suppliers to deliver medical gear such as isolation gowns and personal protective equipment (PPE) sets.

“Let’s form a group of specialists for Covid-19. If we set this up as a center, we will devote other hospitals to regular cases so that you can focus your attention on this,” Diaz said during the meeting.

The 50-bed Cadiz District Hospital, which primarily caters to referrals from first and second districts of the province, has various medical specialty departments with an operating room running 24/7. (PNA)