Hospital clarifies closure order

MANILA, Philippines - The Perpetual Help Hospital (PHH) in Manila yesterday clarified allegations it defied a government closure order.

Antonio Zarate, PHH vice president for administration, told The STAR that the closure order was addressed to Lorenzo Gadon, the former administrator and lessor of PHH, and not to its present leadership.

Zarate said the hospital and its administrative functions, through a lease agreement, were turned over to the Institute of Health and Wellness Phil. Foundation, Inc. in 2009.

He said it was during the administration of the said organization that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ordered its closure for failing to comply with the building codes for hospitals.

 “We have just taken over the administration and functions of the hospital after the lease-contract agreement expired last March 7. I think it was during the former administration’s term that the closure order was issued,” Zarate said.