PhilHealth’s pending payment would help PRC mobilize relief ops in typhoon-hit areas, according to Gordon.
PhilHealth’s pending payment would help the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) mobilize more relief operations in typhoon-hit areas, according to Senator Richard Gordon.
In an interview on ANC, Gordon stressed that the disaster response of the Philippine Red Cross would really need financing.
According to him, they can continue with the drive once they got the money from PhilHealth. He also said that the Philippine Red Cross wasn’t “barging” on PhilHealth’s door and “turning over tables” in demanding payment for the COVID-19 tests it conducted.
READ ALSO: PAF Transports Relief Items To Albay, Catanduanes
In addition, Gordon said that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies already advanced PHP 35 million to the Philippine Red Cross for its operations in the provinces devastated by Super Typhoon Rolly.
Gordon also said that the British ambassador had also expressed willingness to help.
Moreover, Gordon said that the Philippine Red Cross was ready to conduct COVID-19 tests in evacuation centers if needed, but other health risks were being closely monitored as well.
“We can easily send swabbers… I’m not worried about COVID because they are pretty isolated there and the populations are sparse. I’m more worried about diarrhea, I’m more worried about water-borne diseases for the lack of water. So, we are paying attention to that“, Gordon said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force had transported several relief items — including bottled water and food packs — to Albay and Catanduanes.
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