A new Philippine Red Cross (PRC) molecular laboratory in Passi City can now boost the testing capacity for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) not just in the province of Iloilo but for the whole Panay Island.
PRC’s molecular laboratory in Passi City was inaugurated recently. It can process 1,000 specimens a day with results available in 24 hours.
In a press conference, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said they are now at the level, which they wanted Panay to be in terms of testing capacity.
Defensor said in more practical terms, the molecular laboratory can help a lot when the province opens to leisure travelers as this requires a big testing capacity, and the turnaround time for results should be faster.
“You give an elbow room for leisure travel. The turnaround should be faster because you need to release people,” the governor added.
“The laboratory can cover those from Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and even Guimaras.”
Senator Dick Gordon, chairman and chief executive officer of PRC, said the laboratory can cover those from Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and even Guimaras.
“Now you are the center of the whole island of Panay in terms of testing,” Gordon stressed.
The veteran legislator added the PRC has 42 machines nationwide that are capable of doing 42,000 tests a day.
The seasoned lawmaker said they have started the saliva-based COVID-19 testing on January 12.
“We plan to also bring the saliva-based testing process to Passi City.”
They plan to also bring the testing process to Passi City once the trial in Manila is completed, the senator added.
He also urged that health protocols such as wearing of face mask, shield, observance of safe physical distancing, and frequent handwashing or use of alcohol must be observed for protection.
The molecular laboratory will be manned by 12 personnel composed of a pathologist and medical technologists.
The laboratory is on the same lot donated by the city of Passi for PRC’s Regional Logistics and Disaster Management Training Center.
Joining Gordon and Defensor during the inauguration were Passi City officials led by Mayor Stephen Palmares and Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares.