Two hours after the fire breaks out at the Davao Mental Hospital Wednesday, the Bureau of Fire Protection declared “fire under control.” (davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante)
With this incident, Vega said the psychiatric facility should be modernized as “this is the only public mental hospital in Mindanao.”
By ACE R. MORANDANTE
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Fire razed the Davao Public Hospital building that housed the Davao Mental Hospital along C. M. Recto Street, early Wednesday morning.
A total of 197 patients were evacuated to safety. But one patient reportedly escaped during the commotion.
The 96-year old structure was 90 percent damaged with only its Dietary Section spared. The cost of damage was estimated at PHP 2 Million.
Firefighters were able to control the fire two hours after it broke out at 6:36 AM.
Inspector Rodolfo Alucija of the Bureau of Fire Protection said the fire started at the Occupational Outpatient Therapy Office. However, they are still investigating the cause of the incident.
Doctor Leopoldo Vega, Director of the Southern Philippines Medical Center, was thankful that their staff was able to immediately evacuate the 52 female patients who will be transferred to a multi-purpose building within the psychiatric facility’s compound.
He said they will prioritize the 47 patients under the Acute Intervention Unit who need crisis intervention and continuing medication. He added they will look for a private psychiatric center that can accommodate the said patients.
Meanwhile, patients who can be treated at their homes, he said, will be immediately discharge.
“We will try to accommodate those who have no more families but need continuing care. We might transfer them to the multi-purpose building,” he said.
Doctor Leopoldo Vega, Director of the Southern Philippines Medical Center, tells reporters he doesn’t know yet the exact budget for the reconstruction of the psychiatric facility. (davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante)
With this incident, Vega said the psychiatric facility should be modernized as “this is the only public mental hospital in Mindanao.”
Before the fire, though, he said there are already plans to rehabilitate and upgrade the facility; and that it will still be constructed at the same location.
Citing its historical significance, Vega said the facility’s façade will be retained.
The Davao Mental Hospital is a historical building built in 1917 as the Davao Public Hospital. It is considered as one of the city’s oldest structures. During the Second World War, it was garrisoned by the Japanese and in 1945, it served as a United States Army hospital. In 1946 it was renamed as the Davao General Hospital. In 1957, it was upgraded and renamed as the Davao Regional and Medical Training Center. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
Davao Mental Hospital, Mindanao, southern Philippines medical center, SPMC
