QC’s poor dengue patients might get first-class treatment

Poor dengue patients in Quezon City may get a surprise "status symbol" as some of them will be referred to a prestigious private hospital for treatment. City administrator Vic Endriga said the city plans to use the bulk of a P10-million financial assistance deal with St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) for dengue patients. "We have a memorandum of agreement with SLMC. Every year, it will give financial aid to the city amounting P10 million. We will likely refer dengue patients there," Endriga said in an interview on dzBB radio. Endriga noted SLMC has become a status symbol of sorts due to its reputation for good medical care. But he said dengue patients from poor families must first get a referral from the city social services office. He pointed out that government-run hospitals in the city, including East Avenue Medical Center, were overcrowded with dengue patients in past weeks. On the other hand, Endriga said the city government will continue to rush the full operation of its new Quezon City General Hospital. The new facility, which had its soft launch last June, boasts of a P600-million building and P300 million in initial equipment. "Minamadali para maging fully operational ang QCGH (We are rushing work to make the new hospital fully operational)," he said. Also, Endriga said Mayor Herbert Bautista ordered P2 million in funding for dengue patients' treatment. — LBG, GMANews.TV