The Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH), the largest government hospital in the province, suspended several services including elective surgeries to decongest the facility in observance of the government’s calls for social distancing, an official said.

Rocky Camaligan, GCGMH health education promotion officer, said that those with “mild symptoms” are urged to have themselves checked at their local health centers as the hospital prioritizes those with severe conditions.

“Kadtong mga at risk na pasyente or mga kliente gi-advisan pud sila na maglikay sa sa pagbisita sa atong hospital karong mga panohana gawas og naa jud silay mga emergency na medical attention na kinahanglanon,” he said.

Other services such as prenatal checkups, follow-up checkups for well babies and neurophysiological tests were also suspended.

The hospital’s diabetes clinic was closed considering that diabetics are deemed at risk for COVID-19 mortality. Patients have been given instructions on how to acquire their medication without having to fall in line or stay at the hospital for an extended period.

“So kadtong atong mga diabetic na mga kliente gi-inform na pud to sila na temporarily suspended ang clinic,” he said. “Kadtong doctor in-charge nakipag-coordinate na sa ilang pasyente kung unsaon nila ilahang mga tambal pagkuha.”

Meanwhile, stringent health safety and hygiene measures are being implemented at the GCGMH.

Camaligan appealed for public understanding as these measures have bean causing a buildup of queues going into the hospital.

He said that those entering the facility are required to thoroughly sanitize themselves first before they are allowed entry.

“Kana siya is protection para sa hing sulod para pud sa naa sa sulod mao ra gyud na ang atong ipasabot,” he said. (A. Doydora)