MANILA, Philippines—The Manila City Council has enacted a proposed ordinance to make it easier for people to get to hospitals by ensuring that their entrances are cleared of all obstructions such as vendors and parked vehicles.
In their regular session last week, councilors approved on third and final reading the Hospital Zone Protection and Preservation Ordinance authored by Councilor Leilani Marie Lacuna of the sixth district.
The ordinance states that all entry and exit points to all hospitals in the city, whether public or private, should not be blocked at all times, to ensure the smooth flow of patients, especially in times of emergency.
“It shall hereby be declared the policy of the City of Manila to protect public health and safety by ensuring that all egress and ingress of institutions engaged in the preservation of life shall not be impeded or hampered at any time of the day or night and especially during times of natural or man-made emergency and calamity,” the ordinance reads.
Specifically, the ordinance prohibits “all forms of obstruction” within 30 meters of roads leading to the entrances of all hospitals in the city.
“[The] blowing of horns, revving of engines, playing of karaoke or similar devices that produce loud music, noise or racket, or boisterous behavior by any person shall [also] be prohibited within the vicinity thereof,” it states.
Violators will be fined from P2,000 to P5,000, depending on how many times a person has been caught violating the ordinance. Offenders may also be imprisoned for at least five days.
Earlier, Lacuna stressed the importance of making hospitals easily accessible, especially in times of major calamities such as typhoons or earthquakes.
The ordinance will take effect once it is approved by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.