Lung Center doctors ask for donations for healthcare workers battling COVID-19 threat

Healthcare professionals from the Lung Center of the Philippines have asked for donations to help purchase medical supplies as they battle the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a Facebook post, Dr. Edmund Villaroman appealed to the public to support the hospital workers as government resources are stretched thin.

He said they fear spreading the infection to their loved ones and other people as they are on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.

"Despite the risk, we brave going to work day and night at extended shifts away from our loved ones," he said. "We do not ask for accolades nor rewards. We just ask that you help us be protected while we battle this deadly virus."

READ: Concerned citizens send food packs, face masks, coffee to healthcare workers amid COVID-19 threat

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Villaroman said they are using the protective gears prepared for the previous MERS-CoV outbreak.

"Mabilis ang consumption namin ng PPEs. We use about somewhere between 80 to 100 PPEs per day. Even if meron kaming 500, for five days ubos agad 'yung stocks namin," he said.

The surgical gowns they currently have are also not ideal for use as personal protective equipment.

"'Yung mga staff namin naggugupit ng trash bag. Nakapatong 'yung trash bag dun over the surgical gown to protect 'yung mga nursing saka 'yung mga medical staff namin," Villaroman said.

"'Yun 'yung difficulty kasi when we don't have the right equipment being used for handling it," he added. "But we're doing the best we could or kung ano 'yung limited na sources meron."

READ: Ateneo distributes medical supplies to COVID-19 frontliners

The LCP Physicians Association will use the financial assistance to buy face masks and protective gears for the hospital frontline staff.

Those who wish to help may deposit any amount to the following bank account:

Personal accounts

Dr. Siena Gonda-Dimayacyac (LCPPA treasurer) BPI account (SIENA) - 4235802851

Corporate accounts

L.C.P.P.A. UCPB account - 20151-000516-0

They also accept donations in-kind such as N95 masks, surgical masks, personal protective equipments, and disinfectants. Food donations are also accepted.

Here are the details for those who are interested in sending in-kind donations:

Food donations

To: LUNG CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES c/o MS SHERYL MABOLO, Nutrition and Dietary Head 89246101 local 1015/1016

Non-food items

C/o Lisa Bernardo or Arsenio Bautista of MMD 89246101 local 1060/1061

As of Thursday, the Philippines has 217 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 17 deaths. Eight patients have recovered. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the country under a state of calamity to allow the government to tap more funds to curb the spread of the virus. --MGP, GMA News