After three big private hospitals announced they could not accept any more COVID-19 patients for confinement, the Philippine General Hospital made it clear it will continue to fight.
In an emotional letter addressed to "the People Giving Hope" (PGH), Gerardo Legaspi, M.D., PGH's director, said "he had to make one of the most difficult decisions." But he added the National University Hospital has always "responded time and again to the call of our countrymen when needed, through training, research, and most especially service. THIS IS THAT TIME AGAIN!"
Legaspi noted that PGH was the only hospital that remained open during World War II, and it has been serving the country for 112 years now.
On the fight against COVID-19, he said, "The task is daunting, but it will be surmountable if we all band together as one."
Legaspi ended his letter with an emotional plea. "Let us do this for the patients. Let us do this because, though urgently needed, not everyone would want or will be capable. Let us do this for the students and for our senior staff who have opted to remain in PGH and continue to serve despite the clear and present danger. Let us do this for our comrades who have fallen, taking to heart the oath we all took.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW"Let us do this because deep in our hearts — devoid of fear and anger — it is the right thing to do."
PGH is designated as one of the COVID-19 referral hospitals by the Department of Health. Since March 19, 2020, it had begun ceasing admission for non-emergency cases to free up wards and rooms for persons suspected to be infected with COVID-19.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowOn March 24, private hospitals Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and St. Luke's Medical Center announced they could not accept COVID-19 patients anymore for confinement. The hospitals expressed regret but admitted they had already exceeded their maximum capacity. They said the situation is undermining their ability to deliver care. Read more here
Health workers in the frontlines have been the most at risk for COVID-19 because of the lack of personal protective equipment. As of this writing, nine doctors have died from COVID-19. Read more here.
PGH is in need of 70% ethyl alcohol, surgical masks, N95 masks, face shields, and surgical gowns. For donations, click here.
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