AKB to give Covid-19 test kits to hospitals
LEGAZPI CITY --- In an effort to ensure the safety of Bicolanos and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease, the Ako Bicol (AKB) party-list bought some 2,500 pieces of rapid testing kits from China intended for distribution to government hospitals in the region.
AKB Rep. Elizaldy S. Co said the 2,500 testing kits worth P3,000 each will be given to all government hospitals across the region to be used for testing of Bicolanos specifically those who are persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs).
He said that the AKB also purchased one ton of anti-coronavirus disease gears such as 42,000 facemasks, 1,500 personal protective equipment (PPEs), and 500 face shields aside from and 2,500 testing kits.
“We’ve purchased almost one ton of protective gears and rapid testing kits abroad due to their unavailability in the country. We will be giving 2,500 testing kits, 42,000 facemasks, 1,500 PPEs, 500 face shield electric sprayers and disinfectant and 800 litters of alcohol. All of these are arriving in the country,” he said.
The testing kits purchased by AKB according to Co will be given free and will only take 10 minutes to know the result if the persons who is tested is positive for Covid-19.
Earlier, the AKB provided two service vehicles for the transportation needs of medical workers in Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) and Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City, as well as month-long food rations for medical frontliners.
The Department of Health (DOH) has identified and accredited the Bicol Regional Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (BRDRL) to perform independent testing for Covid-19.
“This means that more PUIs and PUMs will be tested in BRDRL and we are now one step closer to perform a mass testing in Bicol region so we can respond and contain the spread of the deadly virus,” Co said.
“We are slowly having hopes to redress the spread of Covid-19. Let’s just believe in our experts and staff of the government who are focused on this. The AKB party-list will not stop as much as we can in giving help to the needy health workers and frontliners who we now treat as heroes,” Co said.
But while waiting for the anti-Covid-19 protective gears, Co said that the AKB is working closely with SM Foundation, San Miguel Corporation and other partners to provide the needs of the frontliners in all government hospitals in the region.
Rep. Alfredo “Pido” Garbin also said that AKB spent more than P2 million for PPE including food provision for medical health workers and other frontliners.
The food provisions will be given to health workers and frontliners for one month, Garbin said.
The AKB led by Co also provided assistance to 43 Bicolano workers stranded in Metro Manila due to the Luzon-wide lockdown.
Co personally distributed boxes of testing kits, canned goods, instant noodles and five sacks of rice to the stranded workers temporarily sheltered at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.
“The rapid test kits we provided will be used for monitoring purposes should any of the workers display symptoms of Covid-19 infection. It will also be used as a diagnostic tool in support of their request for health clearance before they are conditionally allowed to go home to Bicol,” he said.
Aside from relief goods, each worker also received financial assistance from AKB.
“In times of crises, especially when our enemies are literally unknown and unseen, we’re duty-bound to provide our people with immediate and proactive response, while ensuring that no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized,” Co said.
He also lauded the Redemptorist Church for opening its doors and providing temporary shelter to Bicolanos who have nowhere to go. As a sign of gratitude, the AKB solon also gave financial assistance to the church to support its social welfare programs.