Some patients with illnesses other than the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are having difficulty getting medical help during the pandemic, the Department of Health said.
In an interview, the DOH said it was collecting data on such cases to see the extent of the problem.
The DOH vowed to address it by expanding the capacity of hospitals to attend to non-COVID-19 cases.
“Though I don’t have the figure, but of course, there are instances where people are suffering from major diseases pero alanganin sila magpa-consult sa doctor, especially through the hospital because, you know, vulnerable na sila e,” Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said.
“Kung mayroon namang hospital na may capability ng virtual consultation, or virtual ganun nga consultation or triage, mas maigi kasi at para least they are protected,” Vega said.
“Also na hindi sila, ‘yung kanilang presence, wala talaga doon sa area na may mga COVID,” Vega added.