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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PGH fire highlights urgent need to upgrade public hospitals, says House leader

PGH fire highlights urgent need to upgrade public hospitals, says House leader

Published Mar 14, 2024 07:44 am

At A Glance

  • House Committee on Health Chairperson and Batanes lone distric Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. says the fire that broke out at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) underscores the immediate need to upgrade the public health infrastructure.

Batanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. (PPAB).jpgBatanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. (PPAB)

House Committee on Health Chairperson and Batanes lone distric Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. says the fire that broke out at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) underscores the immediate need to upgrade the public health infrastructure.

“While the PGH fire is a critical issue, it highlights the broader need to upgrade all public hospitals across the country,” Gato said in a statement on Wednesday, March 13.

“Investing in public healthcare infrastructure is not just about buildings and equipment; it's about ensuring quality healthcare for all Filipinos,” he added.

Around 200 patients were safely evacuated after the fire, with no casualties logged.

Gato pointed out that this was not the first fire to hit the PGH. In 2021, a fire also broke out in what was then the country’s biggest Covid-19 referral hospital.

“These incidents highlight the urgent need to invest in our public healthcare infrastructure. We must prioritize the upgrading and modernization of our hospitals, ensuring they are equipped with proper fire safety measures and advanced medical equipment,” he said.

The doctor-turned-lawmaker says that several bills on the modernization of the PGH are under deliberation in the House of Representatives.

He noted that the lower chamber continues to push for the provision of adequate funding and resources to the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

“I urge my colleagues to expedite the review of these proposed measures and prioritize their passage to ensure the swift and comprehensive rebuilding and modernization of PGH,” Gato stressed.

Related Tags

ciriaco gato public health Philippine General Hospital (PGH) PGH FIRE
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