Munti bucks SARS plan for RITM

Fearing an epidemic in his city, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi opposed yesterday the government’s plan to turn the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Alabang into a "priority center" for treating cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

"That will put Muntinlupa under extreme risk if people all over the country will come to RITM for SARS treatment," Fresnedi said in a statement.

"The sickness must be contained where it is to limit its movement," he said.

Muntinlupa information officer Tez Valencia said the Department of Health has not informed the city government about its plan for the reseach center.

"Nevertheless, when we learned about it from media reports, we immediately coordinated with RITM because (the center) is situated in Muntinlupa," she said.

Valencia said they fear that the commercial district across the research center could be affected by the killer virus if patients are treated there.

"That is why we want RITM to provide us with all the right information," she said.

Valencia said the city government would disseminate the information to Muntinlupa residents, who would be encouraged to take preventive measures against the disease.

Valencia said N95 masks, disposable gowns and gloves, as well as medicines and vitamins will be issued to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa and the city’s 11 health centers.

City employees who are in frequent contact with people like traffic enforcers and public order and safety officers will also be given face masks and gloves, she added.

The health department said the RITM would be a "priority center" for SARS patients.