TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Sept. 18 (PIA) - - Some Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are scheduled to fly back abroad have sought assistance from the Regional Task Force- COVID-19 Cagayan Valley to subject them for Real-Time Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test from a state-run testing laboratory.
Dr. Karina Joy Peca-at of the Department of Health (DOH) region 2 said they have received requests from the OFWs as well as inquiries as to where they can undergo RT-PCR test which is one of the major requirements of their country of destination.
She said the RT-PCR test kits that are available now in government health facilities are intended only for suspected and probable cases as well as those who have close contacts with positive patients.
"I think we need to pass a resolution on this effect to be able to help the said sector. They need test results from a government testing laboratory," Peca-at urged members of the RTF and the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF).
There are already three testing laboratories in the region to include the laboratory at the DOH Regional office, at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center, and at the Southern Isabela Medical Center.
On her part, Luzviminda Tumaliuan, officer-in-charge of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) region 2, said they only cater for the tests of inbound or returning OFWs in the region.
"But we will draft the resolution to be submitted to the RIATF for appropriate action of the task force. We will find ways to help our OFWs," Tumaliuan said.
Aside from the OFWs, there have been several inquiries received by DOH as well as the Philippine Information Agency from individuals who apply for jobs as it is also an added requirement from the agency they applied with. (MDCT/OTB/PIA-Cagayan)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments