Photo Credit: OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.
OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) has opened an isolation facility for patients infected with Covid-19 at its host community in Didipio here. The facility is also open for patients from its neighboring villages.
Inaugurated last June 15, the Didipio Family Health Center (DFHC) can accommodate up to 15 people with separate room allocations for confirmed cases, suspected cases, and close contacts individuals.
The facility is complete with medicine for patients with respiratory problems. It is also equipped with oxygen and rapid antigen test kits. OGPI will also allocate one of its company nurses to take special regular duty at DFHC.
Following the inauguration of the facility, the four barangay health workers of Barangay Didipio have already transferred to the newly refurbished DFHC facility.
The initiative came following the surge of Covid-19 cases in Didipio and neighboring barangays soaring up to 147 cases since March.
In his remarks during the facility inauguration, Mayor Romeo Tayaban emphasized the importance of an established isolation structure while noting the continuous rising of cases in the region.
“Let’s make this DFHC useful for the next generation,” he said.
The mining company allocated around P1.6 million for the procurement of equipment, medical supplies, and the much-needed repairs of the health facility.
DFHC will be operated by the barangay LGU with the supervision of the municipal health office here.
Village acting chair Henry Guay, in coordination with MHO and OGPI, is now working on the accreditation of the facility by DOH so that PhilHealth members could avail of their benefits when confined to the facility.
Dr. Elizabeth Joaquin, municipal health officer of Kasibu, looks forward to the development of DFHC as a hospital in the future so it can cater more patients even from other areas of Kasibu.
Engr. Edgar Rivera, officer-in-charge of OGPI, emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation amon the LGUs, community, and private sector in overcoming the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As long as OGPI is here, we continue to work with our stakeholders to provide necessary support in the achievement of their goals,” he said.
The Covid-19 infections continue to create havoc as more areas outside the National Capital Region become areas of concern. Cagayan Valley was placed under the more restrictive MECQ until the end of the month.
