Pedia patients, newborn babies seek temporary shelter at PGH chapel


The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) chapel served as a temporary shelter for pedia patients and newborn babies following the fire that broke out at the hospital early Sunday morning, May 16.

(Photo from Fr. Marlito Ocon)

In photos shared on Facebook by Father Marlito Ocon, head chaplain of the PGH, patients in beds and gurneys were seen seeking temporary shelter at the chapel after a fire hit the government-run facility past midnight.

"Part of PGH nasunog! Ang PGH Chapel naging instant evacuation ng mga pedia patient at newborn babies (Part of PGH caught fire! The PGH Chapel became an instant evacuation of pedia patients and newborn babies)." Ocon wrote.

"All patients (covid and non-covid) from to floor evacuated. Please pray for all of us!" he added.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, Dr. Jay Germar of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine assured that "all patients and staff are safe and accounted for."

However, the PGH is currently in need of industrial fans to dissipate the smoke that enveloped its wards due to the fire.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region, the fire broke out on the third floor of the hospital. The blaze was declared under control at 2:46 a.m.

READ MORE: Fire hits PGH

To aid those who were affected by the fire, UP Office of the Student Regent and Tulong Kabataan will provide water, face masks, and food.

PGH NEEDS HELP! Around 1AM today, May 16, PGH caught fire. To immediately aid the affected, the UP Office of the...

Posted by UP Office of the Student Regent on Saturday, May 15, 2021

The PGH is the country's biggest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) referral hospital.

The PGH blaze is the second fire to hit a hospital within Metro Manila this week.

On Wednesday, May 12, fire also hit the Pasig City General Hospital.