Doctors back lifting state of public health emergency

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) gave its full backing to the lifting of the state of public health emergency due to COVID.

“We fully concur with the lifting of the state of public health emergency,” PCP president Dr. Rontgene Solante said yesterday.

“The current situation of COVID globally does not constitute a public health emergency anymore for many reasons,” he pointed out.

Solante noted that COVID cases in the country are continuously on the decline and with few mortalities. The healthcare utilization, he said, is also constantly low.

According to Solante, most countries have achieved higher COVID vaccination rates among the targeted population as well as a high population immunity.

The available antiviral treatment for COVID, he said, remains effective in the prevention of severe cases among the high-risk vulnerable population.

President Marcos issued Proclamation 297 on July 21 lifting the state of public health emergency in the country due to the COVID pandemic.

The DOH welcomed the lifting of the state of public health emergency in the country.