"Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), in partnership with the QualiMed Health Network, recently expanded QualiMed Hospital – Sta. Rosa’s COVID-dedicated bed capacity to 75 beds, and QualiMed Hospital – San Jose Del Monte’s to 30 beds, effectively doubling the total bed capacity for COVID patients since the facilities were upgraded in March. This is in line with their efforts to ramp up COVID-19 treatment capacity in the country."
QualiMed Sta. Rosa was also the first hospital outside Metro Manila to receive AstraZeneca vaccines. A combination of 600 AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines were administered to doctors and healthcare workers in the first quarter of 2021.
AC Health (also known as Ayala Healthcare Holdings Incorporated) recently acquired QualiMed and appears to be at the forefront of the country's vaccination campaign.
CEO Paolo Borromeo said, "We have identified and are setting up nearly 20 mega sites nationwide with a goal to administer 1,000,000 doses by 2021."
To date, QualiMed offers three packages for potential screening and home care issues.
Package 1 = P6000 for patients who suspect COVID-19 or are mild symptomatic includes an RT-PCR Swab Test, Chest X-Ray, and Consultation with a doctor.
Package 2 = P12,000 for patients who are COVID positive, asymptomatic to mild symptomatic includes COVID support at home:
= Telemedicine consults with an internal medicine or pediatrics doctor (10 consults for 14 days)
= COVID care kit
= Priority access to hospital admission (subject to availability)
= Medical certificate upon completion of isolation period
Package 3 = P29,500 for patients who are COVID positive or mild symptomatic with controlled comorbidities, non-oxygen requiring includes COVID care at home:
= Complete blood count
= COVID panel (CRP, LDH, Ferritin, D-dimer),
= HbA1c
= Chest CT scan
= COVID care kit
= Telemedicine consults with an internal medicine or pediatrics doctor (10 consults over 14 days)
= Medical certificate upon completion of isolation period
= Priority access to hospital admission (subject to availability)
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Postscript: As with any kind of medication, it is important to understand the different vaccination choices and possible adverse reactions.
For those who are considering COVID-19 Home Care, I am sharing these medical instructions from a Pulmonologist at Asian Hospital.
"Please prepare the following since if someone at home is positive for COVID-19, all household members are quarantined:
= Alcohol, gloves, N95 mask for primary caregiver of covid patient, Chlorox wipes or alcohol wipes to wipe surfaces
= Pulse oximeter, thermometer
= Medicines: Paracetamol for fever and body pain, Fluimucil 600 mg. tablets for cough, Doxofylline 200 mg. for shortness of breath, Ventolin Inhaler (not nebulization because it will cause more aerosolization and not only droplet transmission of virus), Antihistamines
= If you want to prepare oxygen, maybe two big tanks with oxygen regulator, although when patient is short of breath or oxygen saturation less than 94, ideally bring to the hospital. Nasal canal and/or oxygen face mask."
The doctor also recommended oxygen concentrators (like Inogen brand) compared to oxygen tanks that are hard to calibrate.
All told, it seems like a good idea to at least keep basic medicine requirements including a Ventolin Inhaler. Apparently, the use of a nebulizer may just help spread more virus, so it is best avoided.
Of course, if the patient already experiences shortness of breath, it is prudent to find a hospital that can address the issue and give further instructions.
Note: This is not intended as medical advice. Sharing possible first aid or home care options only. Please consult your doctor for exact medications pertaining to your specific health needs.
