SPMC ER’s Red Zone has no aircon since last year

THE Southern Philippines Medical Center’s (SPMC) Emergency Department Red Zone and its adjacent room have been operating without proper ventilation since the latter months of last year.

This was revealed by SunStar Davao source, who requested anonymity in an email for fear of professional repercussions, on May 5, 2025. He said that the air conditioning system in the hospital’s emergency room (ER) has not been properly ventilated for several months, resulting in extreme heat and poor air circulation throughout the department. 

"It has been exceedingly humid, warm, not suitable for work. This is the first portal patients encounter at the hospital and yet they are welcomed with bad air — literally,” the source shared.

According to the medical staff during a phone interview, the problem began in the Orange Zone of the emergency department and has since affected the Red Zone, where the most critical patients are handled. 

The source added that the emergency room receives approximately 7,000 patients per month, and the malfunctioning air conditioning system has become a growing health hazard. Staff working more than 12 hours per shift are now exposed to recirculated, unventilated air on a daily basis. 

“This poses a health hazard to those working here. The chronic exposure has made the conditions almost unbearable,” the source added.

The source lamented that despite multiple requests made to the hospital’s engineering and administrative offices, there has been no visible action taken. The whistleblower noted that the worsening conditions have affected the morale and psychological state of healthcare workers, with potential consequences for patient care. 

“This has caused major mood changes and alteration towards work attitude that may have caused changes and possibly patient demise for those who are critically ill,” he warned.

SunStar Davao visited SPMC’s emergency room, particularly the Red Zone, on Tuesday, May 6, to verify the situation. The area was noticeably hot and humid, with electric fans positioned throughout the triage and treatment zones. However, the fans were insufficient to combat the oppressive heat, and staff members were visibly attending to a steady stream of patients.

Several patients also expressed their dismay over the conditions. 

“Electric fan lang naa diria sir. Igang sya (The only available ventilation system here is an electric fan, it’s still hot),” said a daughter of a patient who has been in the intensive care department due to severe lung disease.

Another patient who had been outside the ER told SunStar Davao, “Diri lang pud mi sa gawas nagatulog ug kung mukaon mi, naa ra diha sa gawas. Naa man dako nga electricfan sila gi-provide and sa sulod pud, kasagaran electric fan ra pud (We only here outside, when we eat, we just go there further. They provided big electric fans inside, but only electric fans).”

However, upon verification with the hospital administration, it was discovered that the issue had already been reported last October 2024 and that actions were immediately taken.

Lotes H. Jason, Health Education and Promotion Officer III, under the Medical Center Chief Office, in a phone interview, acknowledged the issue but reiterated that they immediately conducted an assessment to determine the technical specifications of the damaged equipment.

“Dili man gud na siya ordinary lang nga aircon, naa nay siyay special specifications nga negative pressure (The damaged air conditioning unit was not an ordinary one, it has special specifications that include negative pressure) for the safety of both the patients and the hospital staff,” Lotes said.

However, she assured that its procurement status is placed in topmost priority and is being expedited.

“Naghahanap pa kami ng supplier na available dito sa Mindanao kasi nga dapat fitted sa need ng ER ang equipment na bibilhin (We are looking for a supplier here in Mindanao, that is because the unit that should be purchased must be fitted to the need of the ER),” she said, adding that in the meantime, they have taken an alternative solution to the problem by deploying two air cooling systems like big industrial fans. However, she admitted that these are not enough to cool down the ER’s Red Zone.

She also said that purchasing a replacement for the damaged air conditioners, or any other equipment seen as an alternative solution to the problem, needed to undergo a bidding process.  

Meanwhile, she said even before the issue was brought to the fore, four 7.5 PR air conditioners were already scheduled for delivery, and that is what they are waiting for right now.

“May actions or steps that have been taken, but maybe hindi lang alam ng ibang staff kung ano ang ginagawa nang hospital administration to address this concern,” Lotes assured.

SPMC, formerly known as Davao Medical Center, is the largest government hospital in the Philippines under the Department of Health (DOH) and among the busiest in the country. 

Over the years, it has expanded its facilities and services to meet the growing needs of the region’s population. 

On April 21, Dr. Ricardo Audan, Medical Center Chief of SPMC, admitted that the hospital's emergency room continues to face overcrowding challenges.

According to Dr. Audan, the ER has not seen any relief in patient volume, with many cases involving individuals suffering from hypertension and elevated blood sugar levels. DEF, CEA