Provincial Health Office urged: Prioritize CCTV camera installation in hospitals

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board urged the Provincial Health Office to include in its priorities the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the district and provincial hospitals in the province.

The legislative body explained that the video recording system would help record daily operations of the government-run hospitals and further deter misdemeanors, such as medical malpractices and baby theft.

Board Member Arleigh Sitoy, who sponsored the resolution, mentioned the recent incidents involving the district and provincial hospitals and the baby theft at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

“Recently, with the help of a CCTV camera, a baby snatcher dressed as a nurse was identified by the authorities and led to her arrest and the recovery of the baby,” read part of the PB’s resolution.

“The installation of such cameras will provide an added security to the hospital’s clients as well as ensure that the hospital staff, which are entrusted with the health care of the patients, are doing their jobs efficiently,” it added.

The PB mentioned the provincial ordinance which requires security camera installation in all hospitals and other private and public health facilities. It was approved in 2004.

The video surveillance system will cover the identified “critical areas” in health facilities, particularly nurseries.

PHO chief Cynthia Genosolango earlier said they have not included in its 2016 budget the purchase of CCTV cameras because it is not an immediate need yet since most of its facilities have no nurseries and that newborn babies are delivered immediately to their mothers for breastfeeding.

“But we can always look into these things. We will have that (ordinance) implemented for safety and security purposes,” she said. —(FREEMAN)