Philippines won't adopt mass testing as COVID-19 strategy, says DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said the Philippine government will not adopt mass testing as a strategy against COVID-19 as it is not rational and science-based.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the remark after an alliance of healthcare workers slammed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III over his remark that mass testing is difficult to do.

"Mass testing is not a strategy that the government will adopt because it is not rational, base sa siyensa, at base po sa ating mag eksperto,” Vergeire said at the Palace briefing.

In a statement, the Alliance of Health Workers claimed that the DOH and the government are still “using the lack of resources as an excuse for dereliction of their duties and responsibilities.”

Vergeire, however, said it is a recognized fact that resources in the country are limited.

“Kaya prina-prioritize, but we prioritize healthcare workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities. Kung saka-sakaling dadating tayo na kailangan na mag prioritize for testing,” she said.

(That’s why we prioritize healthcare workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities. In case we reach the point that we need to prioritize for testing.)

This was echoed by Dr. Edsel Salvana and Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, members of the DOH Technical Advisory Group.

“Again targeted testing, risk-based testing, ito po yung pinakaimportante aside from the fact that we maintain a high leve lof vaccination,” Salvana said.

“Kung gagamitin natin yung testing as a means to control the spread, I feel like medyo mahuhuli nga tayo. Kaya kung napapansin niyo kanina, ‘yung paalala natin, hindi magpa test muna, mag isolate ka muna tapos kung may paraan tsaka ka mag pa test,” Ong-Lim, meanwhile, said.

(If we use testing as a means to control the spread, I feel like we will lag behind. That’s why if you noticed earlier, our advice was to isolate immediately and to get tested if you have the chance.)

Several progressive lawmakers have called for free mass testing in the country amid the recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

The Philippines on Friday reported 21,819 new cases, the highest since September 12 last year, where the country logged 21,411 new infections. —NB, GMA News