In the previous post, we presented two of the major health-related functions of local government units under the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the identification of infected individuals, and the prevention of the spread of the virus. All LGUs in the country are, in one way or another, implementing these only that some are innovative enough than the others.
3. Referral and self-hep systems. Once the individuals suspected with Covid-19 virus are identified, they are automatically isolated and tested. If the result comes out positive, they are referred to medical institutions that can treat patients with the virus. Some LGUs, mostly cities, operate their own hospitals while the others rely mainly on arrangements between the local government and the nearest tertiary hospital in the area.
In almost all cases though, especially when contact tracing is not fully functional, sick patients or those who experience COVID-19 symptoms but would like to be certain, would just the nearest hospital. This, however, exposes them to more health risks. To prevent this, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City launched an online consultation platform so those feeling sick or experiencing symptomscan reach medical professionals with the use of a mobile phone. Through the OPD e-Clinic, patients can now seek medical consultation regardless of their location while at the same time avoid the risk of unnecessary exposure to coronavirus.
4. Treatment. In general, treatment of COVID-19 patients are entrusted to health professionals either through an LGU-operated hospital or private hospitals. In both instances, LGUs only exercise monitoring and coordination roles.
5. Treatment of other health conditions. LGUs are not mandated to respond only to those affected by COVID-19. Individuals with other medical conditions are among the most vulnerable sectors and might get easily infected. As such, to minimize exposure especially in using public transportation, there are LGUs that provide free transportation to those that need to visit the hospital for their regular consultation. The vehicles used are regularly cleaned and disinfected so that the succeeding passengers will be safe.
Photo credit: City Mayor Arnan Panaligan Official Page
A number of LGUs like the Municipality of Kalayaan, Laguna, also established "Pasa-Buy" Program. In this innovation, only the assigned health worker or barangay staff in the community will purchase the medicines of Senior Citizens and those with other medical conditions. This minimizes issuance of medical passes as well as the risk of exposure to COVID-19 of the highly vulnerable population. Another version of this is Calapan City's Mobile Pharmacy. In this innovation, a mobile drugstore manned by a pharmacist and drugstore staff, visits the barangays selling medicines to those with prescription. The Mobile pharmacy also distributes free maintenance medicines to senior citizens.
The community quarantines also trigger mental health conditions. Hence, some LGUs, in cooperation with psychologists and social workers, established hotlines for those undergoing depression. Baguio City, for instance, compile and endorse services related to mental health which residents can avail enhanced community quarantine. The city government also partnered with St. Louis University and other institutions for free online mental health services, including e-counselling and telepsychology, to healthcare and frontline workers as well as family and friends of COVID-19 patients and students experiencing psychological concerns.
The pandemic is still on-going and LGUs are continually innovating to be able to adapt to the situation. Hence, it is possible that there are still a number of health-related responses under the COVID-19 pandemic that are not recorded and are waiting to be documented as well as shared.
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