Procurement rules impede PGH restoration
MANILA – The recent fire at the Philippine General Hospital early Sunday morning damaged sensitive and costly equipment used in sophisticated surgeries.
Speaking at the Malacañang Press Briefing hosted by Presidential Spokesperson harry Roque, Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi said the supplies and equipment lost to the fire believed to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring amounted from P30 – 50 million.
Asked how they plan to replenish or replace the equipment lost within the operating room supply and autoclave room (ORSA), Dr. Legaspi said they have done initial surveys in the market and there are available units that could be purchased.
“Our concern is how to overcome the government’s procurement procedures,” he said knowing the national government’s stringent procedures in the purchase of supplies,” Dr. Legaspi said. He added there’s a possibility they could do it on “an emergency basis” for them to equip the hospital at the soonest time.
Another concern for the PGH Management is the renovation of the burned-out floor.
“We cannot just place the equipment to the damaged room because we still have to renovate them,” he added.
Dr. Legaspi added they have assigned two areas inside the Philippine General Hospital where they could place the sterilizing equipment and install three more by next month.
Asked about the building’s integrity, Dr. Legaspi said the Department of Public Works and Highways will inspect the building soon. He added it may take at least three months to fully restore the damaged facilities. (Melo M. Acuña)
Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi. Philippine General Hospital Director. (Screen Grab from Presidential Press Briefing)
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