The last thing anyone would want in this covid19 pandemic would be to be hospitalized. Sadly, we are among those who are unlucky. 

My one-year-old daughter, Danira, had a fever and had reached more than 40 ºC.  On the third day, concerned as we were, we decided to rush her to the E.R of FEU - NRMF Medical Center. We hesitated at the outset because of the current situation. We want to restrict our interaction with other people, but unfortunately it's an exemption. 

When Danira and I arrived at the hospital, we were informed that we could not enter the building until their pre-triad team cleared us.

All initial tests will be performed outside, in the drop-off area of the building where chairs are provided and serves as a holding area. All the people out there are potential carriers. As far as I can, I looked for an isolated space for both of us. 

We were told that the wait time would be six to eight hours due to the long lineup of patients. They also explained that every medical staff who will approach us to administer the check-up and tests need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will be part of the bill. Every suit costs at Php2600. Apart from that, because my daughter has a fever, one of the symptoms of covid19, she had to undergo RT-PCR or the swab test that costs Php5000. I agreed to all this for my child's sake. 

Danira initially received a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Following routine testing (blood count/CBC, urine test), she also underwent an X-ray to clear us and be allowed into the emergency room. 


Thank goodness she was cleared. After being held in the emergency room, we were transferred to the place where the PUIs (persons under investigation) were confined. It was located at the fourth floor of the building. In there are patients/ guardians that are waiting for the result of the swab tests which will take 2-3 days. We've been advised to restrict exits, because it's a high-risk area. The doctors and nurses who do their rounds here are still wearing PPE. 


The result was released after over 24 hours and thankfully it was negative. Subsequently, we were transferred to the regular private room on the 3rd floor of the building. Doctors and nurses only wear masks and face shields, although some wear PPE.




That's where we stayed until Danira was cured. For 10 days it served as our "home" and the doctors and nurses have been accomodating and nice to us. 

Last year, in 2019, we were also confined at the same hospital. I can say that the service stayed the same. It was only the interaction with the staffs, limited number of people in the building, and increased bill due to PPE have changed.  

To everyone who feels the need to visit a hospital due to illness, please do not hesitate to go especially if it is a matter of life and death. Just because you are afraid of acquiring the virus, you will stop yourself from getting the correct medical treatment needed for your illness which maybe fatal. Our medical doctos, nurses andf staff are doing their best to combat not only this covis19 virus but also all the diseases they encounter o a daly basis. Therefore, we have to put our trust in them.