DOST 6 deploys no contact Specimen Collection Booths to Western Visayas Medical Center

In support to the Department of Health 6 (DOH 6) conduct of mass testing, the Department of Science and Technology Region 6 (DOST 6) deploys two units of no contact Specimen Collection Booths (SCBs) to Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga (4th from the left) leads the roll out of the SCBs to WVMC. Representing WVMC are Dr. Stephanie A. Abello (5th from right), Dr. Mae Lynn M. Acebuque (4th from right) with Medical Technologists at the Department of Pathology

The DOST through its Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) funded the SCBs. Fabricated by the Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise (FAME), the SCB is designed to protect our medical frontliners with no physical contact with the patients in taking multiple swab samples. Each unit cost around Php130,000 to Php150,000. The regional office is set to add 6 more units for Western Visayas in partnership with the Technological University of the Philippines - Visayas (TUPV) and the Iloilo State and Technology University (ISAT-U).

In an interview with RMN Iloilo, DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga said that the SCB is a nationwide project of DOST. He also pointed that the goal is to create a collective effort of both the government and the private sectors that will pave way for mass-testing.

DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga during an interview with RMN Iloilo

The booth has an ample ventilation with an air-conditioning unit. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of the medical personnel conducting the collection of samples. The SCB is also equipped with an automated thermal scanner and pressure sensor.

In addition, DOST 6 recently turned two (2) SCBs in Negros Occidental hospitals - Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Memorial Hospital and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital. Two (2) more will be rolled out to Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Btac. Nuevo, Iloilo and at the Western Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. (Sol Salazar with reports from Bengie Panes/DOST VI)