PHILIPPINE RED CROSS LAUNCHES HOME SERVICE SALIVA RT-PCR TEST IN METRO MANILA
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) launches its home service saliva RT-PCR test through its partnership with Angkas, the first and largest app-based professional motorcycle taxi service in the country, starting October 13, 2021.
PRC and Angkas held a memorandum of agreement last February 24, 2021, just a month after the introduction of the Philippines’ first and only Saliva RT-PCR test. This partnership will provide easy, safer, and faster access for the clients who want to get tested for COVID-19.
The partnership includes PRC membership program enrollment of all Angkas riders, employees, and family members. In line with this, Angkas riders will also receive first aid training, which will enable them to respond to road accidents and give immediate help, becoming emergency responders on the road even during disasters.
Angkas riders will be given the same training and will be certified as Saliva Specimen Collector. The training included proper handling and dispatch, apart from the collection. This partnership will also provide the riders livelihood in this time of the pandemic.
“Our partnership with Angkas is a game-changer because this will further strengthen our reach and capacity to provide service to the most vulnerable – wherever and whenever it is needed. Ang goal natin ay mas mapabilis ang pagbibigay natin ng serbisyo at dadalhin natin ito sa kanilang mga bahay. Every minute matters in life-saving, and having quick access through the use of motorcycles and a network of trained volunteers will make a great difference,” PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon said.
To date, PRC has already tested 4,603,371 tests, which is 21% of the country’s national testing output, through its 14 molecular laboratories. By strengthening PRC’s testing efforts, will provide the Filipinos with safer and happier holidays.