After Cebu doc fire: Hospitals told to show emergency, disaster plans

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council is requesting all public and private hospitals operating within the city to submit  to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office their respective emergency and disaster plans in case of fire and other disaster-related emergencies.

This is for evaluation and coordination purposes.

This developed after a fire hit the basement of the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital on Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City on the evening of October 28.

The incident displaced at least 200 patients who were eventually transferred safely to nearby hospitals, reports said.

According to the resolution passed by Councilor David Tumulak, a fire incident happening in a hospital is alarming.

“This fire incident which happened in a hospital is a cause for alarm, especially in the light of what happened to Cebu Doctors; it was a good thing that the fire did not reach to other floors except only to a portion of the second floor,” the resolution read.

Tumulak, who is also the head of the CCDRRMO, said the incident leaves queries on the readiness of hospitals.

“This incident also raises questions on how ready our hospitals, both private and public, to respond to disasters right in their own premises,” he said.

Tumulak said there is no specific deadline on when the hospitals should pass the disaster plan but he wanted it to be submitted as soon as possible for them to immediately evaluate it.

After the submission, the CCDRRMO shall coordinate with these hospitals to recommend measures that will save lives and properties.

Earlier reports said the management of Cebu Doctors’ has already agreed on installing water sprinkler system in the building.

This after Cebu City Fire Marshall Rogelio Bongabong Jr. said the Bureau of Fire Protection found out that the hospital has no BFP clearance which is a requirement before a company can be given an accreditation by the Department of Health and a business permit from City Hall.

“Ang Cebu Doc, wala naisyuhan og clearance kay wala gi-comply ang sprinkler ug automatic suppression system, exhaust fan. Requirements na sa renewal sa business permit, dili sad mahatagan og accreditation sa Department of Health, karon (tuiga) wala ko mohatag og clearance kay wala maka-comply,” Bongabong said earlier.

BFP also issued the hospital a notice to comply Fire Code requirements.

In addition, there is also an ongoing negotiation between the hospital and the city government for its failure to secure business permit for hospital operations for a few years.

Cebu City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas earlier said the hospital claimed they should be exempted from paying tax for hospital operations because it is a non-stock, non-profit institution.  — Mechelle P. Florita/JMD (FREEMAN)