New health facility constructed for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases

PICC Forum Halls converted to makeshift hospital

MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported the completion of needed construction works for the makeshift hospital at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City in just seven days.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, DPWH said the work was completed with the support of EEI Corporation and the Villa-owned Vista Land Group.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar said the civil works for the makeshift hospital at PICC Forum Tent have been completed with 294 patient cubicles, six nurse stations, and six smart houses outside the Forum Building for the health workers.

“With the DPWH-EEI Villar Group Team working 24.7, we finished the job ahead of the 10-day work programmed for the conversion of th PICC Forum Tent,” said Secretary Villar.

The fully airconditioned health facility will address the needs of patients with mild to moderate cases of corona virus disease (COVID-19) once medical equipment, including hospital beds are installed and disinfection activities have been completed.

Secretary Villar said the Philippine National Police (PNP) Medical Corps will manage the health service operation of the PICC Forum Tent Quarantine facility.

He earlier formed a DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Healthcare Facilities to convert the PICC, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, World Trade Center and other large-scale public buildings to be used as isolation sites to address hospital space requirements with the rising numbers of COVID-19 positive cases.

The task force is led by Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain has identified other open spaces in Metro Manila where prototype tents may be installed and transformed into quarantine hubs.

Mr. Villar has ordered the utilization of 114 DPWH -built evacuation centers across the country as health care facilities and other COVID related requirements. He likewise acknowledged the support by DPWH men and women and other partners in support of frontliners during the pandemic. (Melo M. Acuña)

Health facility to be utilised for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases after seven days construction. (DPWH Photo)