Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) in Ilocos Region and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) have inaugurated a new Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Infectious Disease Referral Laboratory in the city. This facility, aimed at enhancing the region's infectious disease response capabilities, marks a significant milestone in improving public health infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, the laboratory was constructed under the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit (HEAL) Covid-19 Project, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is one of only two BSL-2 laboratories built nationwide under the project, which also funded 13 isolation wards to bolster public health preparedness.
The project is part of a broader initiative supported by a USD125 million or approximately PHP6.3 billion ADB assistance package approved in 2020. The initiative is focused on upgrading the national health system through investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, laboratory services, infection prevention, and workforce development.
The newly completed ITRMC laboratory comes with a total project cost of PHP33.69 million. DOH Center for Health Development-Ilocos Regional Director Helen Tobias emphasized the laboratory's importance as a vital investment in national health security. She noted that the facility reflects a commitment to providing quality, reliable, and timely laboratory services, highlighting the importance of strong health systems in saving lives.
ITRMC Medical Center chief II Dr. Unity Cortez stated that the facility would enhance the hospital's service delivery. He underscored that the laboratory represents more than just advanced technology; it signifies a continued promise to provide safe, responsive, and high-quality healthcare services. Dr. Cortez noted that every laboratory result plays a crucial role in timely clinical decisions, disease surveillance, and saving lives.
Designed to meet BSL-2 standards, the laboratory provides a secure environment for handling infectious disease specimens. It aims to improve disease surveillance and support faster public health responses across the region and neighboring areas.
