The Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology admitted directing its member doctors to recommend COVID-19 testing for patients who are 37 to 39 weeks pregnant.
PIDSOG pointed out many pregnant women do not have symptoms but eventually test positive for COVID-19.
“We could already identify who are infected, who are not, so we can prevent possible transmission among and inside the hospital,” PIDSOG President Dr. Erwin de Mesa said.
Meanwhile, East Avenue Medical Center Spokesperson Dr. Dennis Ordoῆa raised that there are already many COVID-19 suspects, and “it’s unfair” for pregnant women who may be exposed.
Based on COVID-19 expanded testing guidelines of the DOH, only patients and healthcare workers who have COVID-19 or asymptomatic cases who have had COVID-19 exposure will be prioritized for testing.
PhilHealth Spokesperson Shirley Domingo pointed out that if they are healthy and are not included in the four categories, “they are not included” in the prioritization of the DOH for testing.
However, DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said “we can do the testing because they are part of the vulnerable group.”
