ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – The city government of Iligan is now gearing up to operationalize its coronavirus virus disease (COVID) testing laboratory.
City Councilor Macky Macapagal, city council’s committee chairperson for health and sanitation, said they recently inspected the site together with engineers from Endec Inc. to identify the exact position of the modular laboratory.
The construction of the COVID-19 modular testing laboratory composed of a 40-footer and 20-footer container vans was awarded to Endec Inc. through an emergency negotiated procurement.
Macapagal said Endec will be in charge of the delivery, installation, commissioning, and training of staff. They will also supply the machine, generator, biosafety cabinet, and computer for the laboratory.
According to him, the testing laboratory costs P19-million. “But if we have to include the shipment cost and 12% VAT, the total amount would be P22.7+ million,” he said.
“On our part, ongoing na ang training sa atong 11 personnel. Lima ni sila ka med tech, duha ka encoder, duha ka receptionist ug duha ka laboratory aide. Parallel to that, we are also processing the license and accreditation,” Macagapal further said.
(On our part, the training of 11 personnel is ongoing. This include five med tech, two encoders, two receptionists, and two laboratory aide.)
Macapagal noted that setting up the city’s own testing laboratory is important for early intervention to COVID-19 positive residents.
“Hopefully by December operational na siya kay kung naa na tay kaugalingon nga COVID testing laboratory, we will have a faster swabbing result, kung paspas pud ang result, we will have early intervention,” he said.
(Hopefully, by December this will be operational because if we have our own COVID testing laboratory, we will have a faster swabbing result and if the result is fast, we will have early intervention.)
Meanwhile, Macapagal disclosed that they will be opening the COVID-wing in GTLMH or City Hospital which can provide additional 23 beds that will cater to COVID-19 patients. (APB/PIA ICIC)
