Health equipment against ‘diver’s disease’ launched

CEBU, Philippines – In support of the influx of scuba diving enthusiasts and hobbyists in Cebu and nearby diving sites, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority opened yesterday the first hyberbaric recompression chamber in its building located in front of Mandaue City Hospital.

Hyperbaric chamber is medical equipment used to treat decompression sickness or "diver's disease," a condition caused by drastic changes in pressure with symptoms such as joint pains, rashes, shortness of breath and paralysis. It is fatal if not treated immediately.

"I would like to thank the mayor for donating the lot to us. The location is very ideal since it is located in the center and near the hospital," said Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of TIEZA.

Two more big hospitals are being constructed at the nearby south point reclamation area, namely the UC Medical Center and Cebu Doctor's.

The equipment consists of two chambers which cost P10 million each.

According to Jethro Lozada, assistant COO of TIEZA, they will be charging P36,000 for each session, but if the diver is a member of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, a 50 percent discount is given.

The facility also caters to firemen.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the entrance of TIEZA to the city is a welcome development since it gives room for improvement. He said in exchange for donating the lot, TIEZA in return gave the city P17 million in grant for the construction of a new building at Labogon area for the displaced Department of General Services which used to occupy the area.

TIEZA, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority, provides the needed infrastructure as well as support facilities to tourism industries.

"With the legal and policy frameworks firmly in place, our newly-transformed organization, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, moves to the forefront of the efforts to fully develop the country's tourism industry," the group says on its website.

"We shall accomplish that vision by strengthening public-private partnership, forging closer relationship with local government units, and by working hand in hand with the industry stakeholders who are now represented in the TIEZA's Board of Directors. We shall encourage local and foreign investments in our tourism industry through the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones in strategic areas of the country," its website further reads.