Malasiqui Pangasinan, Aug. 5 -- The top health official of Pangasinan proposes the establishment of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) center, where confirmatory tests, counseling, and tracing for suspected cases, as among ways to address rising cases.

In an interview on Monday, acting Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino cited the need for intensified education and the establishment of an HIV hub since as of the moment, 10 out of the 14 provincial government-run hospitals in Pangasinan are accredited to do initial testing.

Meanwhile, confirmatory tests for HIV positive individuals are done at the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City, as the only accredited facility for the confirmatory testing and admini...