‘Better medical services a must in tourist spots’

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara on Friday renewed his call for Congress to fast track the approval into law of a measure seeking to improve emergency medical services in the country’s major tourist spots.

Angara said this is to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents especially during summer break and other peak seasons.

“We should address the complaints of many visitors that medical services in tourist spots are mere first-aid stations unable to handle grave cases,” Angara said in pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1573.

The bill, or the proposed Emergency Medical Services Systems (EMSS) Act, mandates the development and institutionalization of emergency medical services system in the country.

“Under our proposed measure, all local government units will be mandated to establish emergency dispatch centers with adequate and qualified personnel,” he said.

Angara cited the experience of broadcast journalist Karen Davila who reported her family’s traumatic experience in Siargao Island where her son got injured in a surfing incident.

Davila reported that her son’s surfing instructor suddenly disappeared after the incident.

It also took them almost an hour before they were able to seek medical attention.

Angara, former Aurora Representative, pointed out that Baler’s municipal ordinance requires all resorts to have lifeguards and physicians.

He also said Baler, which attracted more than 1.2 million tourists last year, likewise, enforces Oplan SumVac 2018 which ensures that there are sufficient police officers and medics who are ready to respond to any emergency situation.

“In order to sustain the tourism boom, the local government should be prepared for the influx of visitors and ensure that they have a fun and safe vacation,” Angara stressed.

He said other tourist magnets like Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and in the northern region should also have better emergency medical services systems in place.