Northern Mindanao’s biggest government-run hospital is set to “slow down” various medical services to devote most of its resources to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response, following the resurgence of cases in the region.

Dr. Julius Bernard Rocha, liaison officer, of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) said Monday that hospital operations will not stop but instead, the physical movements would be reduced so that health workers can focus on the rising Covid-19 cases.

Rocha said the “specialty services” of the hospital may be reduced to 20 percent and that those who seek regular medical check-ups that are not related to Covid-19 would be redirected to “telekonsulta” or telephone-based consultation.

“Based on our recent meeting (with NMMC administration), for the next two weeks we have to slow down for the meantime, and increase our response on Covid-19,” he said.

Dr. Lorraine Nery, acting City Health Office chief, reported Monday that the city had 128 new active cases, bringing the total active cases to 749 as of the weekend.

Nery said at least 219 patients currently admitted to NMMC’s dedicated Covid-19 facilities as well as in the patient care centers of the local government and the Department of Health.

Nery said the resurgence of cases prompted them to reactivate partnerships with NMMC and private hospitals to prevent exhausting the city’s healthcare utilization rate.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Oscar Moreno called on residents to cooperate by limiting travel only to necessities and to fully comply with the minimum public health standards.

“My appeal to the people of Cagayan de Oro City is this: let’s not allow ourselves to be infected, nor infect others; City Hall cannot do this alone. If the people don’t do their part, we’ll only end up blaming each other for the unabated rise in cases, blaming each other for our inadequacies and not fully doing our part,” Moreno said.

Recently, the OCTA Research Group flagged three cities outside the National Capital Region and nearby provinces as “areas of concern” due to the spike in Covid-19 cases in their vicinities–including the city.

Data analyzed by the independent research group showed that for the past week, Puerto Princesa logged a 78 percent increase in coronavirus infections, this city listed a 75 percent spike, while Bacolod recorded a 19 percent increase in new cases.

Photo Source: Facebook/Health Referral System Northern Mindanao Medical Center