The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) announced on Thursday that it will temporarily close its emergency room (ER) to incoming patients due to its current overcapacity.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Public Service Hour, PGH Spokesperson Dr. Jonas Del Rosario stated that the hospital’s emergency room is currently treating no fewer than 180 patients, despite having a bed capacity of only 75.
"For the past 2 weeks, we're trying to do our best na ma-accommodate lahat ng pumapasok sa ER. Ang capacity namin ay 75 beds. Pero tinitignan ko ang census for the last 10 days, ang aming pasyente ay hindi bumababa sa 180. Almost close to 3 times its capacity," Del Rosario explained.
He added that the primary concern is the limited number of oxygen ports, as there are only 62 available to accommodate patients who need oxygen while in the ER.
To manage the situation, the hospital has been utilizing oxygen tanks. The temporary solution is to inform the public that the ER will halt patient admissions for a few days until the number of patients in the emergency room is reduced.
However, Del Rosario clarified that the hospital's ER will still accept patients with life-threatening emergencies.
"Huwag po munang dalhin sa PGH lalo na ang mga nangangailan ng oxygen dahil wala po kaming mai-su-supply ngayon," said Del Rosario.
