CCMC opens own animal bite center

THE Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) now has an Animal Bite Center, which will be amply stocked with anti-venom serum.

It will also have more sophisticated equipment to ensure the improved delivery of services to their patients, said hospital chief Dr. Gloria Duterte.

Duterte added the animal bite center which opened last December also has specialized equipments to treat poisonous animal bites.

The Department of Health (DOH), she said, provided the anti-venom serum for snake bites.

The availability of anti-venom shots became problem when Cebu City zoo keeper Ronald “Ronron” Aventurado was bitten by a King Cobra August 2012. Anti-venom shots had to be flown in from Camiguin Island to save the zoo worker.

Health officials had to secure anti venom vaccine from Camiguin Island to save Aventurado’s life.

Those bitten by dogs and other rabid animals, can avail of at least two free anti-rabies shots.

Aside from opening the bite center, CCMC acquired at least 27 new equipment and facilities last year. These included among others a new laparoscophic machine, fetal doppler, cardiac monitor with defibrillator, gas sterilizer, an ambulance, ECG machine with accessories, cardiotocography fetal monitor and an anesthesia machine with ventilator.

The City Council has approved a P364 million budget for hospital operations this year. Of that amount, P208 million is set aside for their Personal Service (PS) allocation.