PGH accepting limited patients after fire – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Following the fire that struck the Philippine General Hospital on Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said the PGH would not be able to accept additional patients except for emergency cases.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the PGH has been placed under “Code Triage,” which means the hospital will accommodate a limited number of patients and those with life-threatening conditions.

Domingo said other government hospitals can accept patients needing medical attention.

“DOH hospitals are ready to accept patients who can’t be admitted at the PGH,” he said.

Based on initial investigation, Domingo said the fire started in the audio-visual room of the hospital’s Department of Medicine and affected four wards.

PGH spokesman Dr. Jonas del Rosario said the hospital’s emergency room is full.

“Patients at the ER are overflowing and could not be transferred to the main hospital,” Del Rosario said.

An estimated P1.4 million worth of property was destroyed in the blaze, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

No one was reported injured in the incident, which displaced several patients.

PGH chaplain Fr. Marlito Ocon said  they are conducting an assessment to determine the needs of the affected patients. – Evelyn Macairan