11 patients relocated due to fire at GPHC, almost $30M in losses recorded 

Eleven patients had to be relocated following Saturday morning’s fire at the echocardiograph room of the Georgetown Public Hospital. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony who visited the hospital disclosed that there were seven patients in the cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and four in another ICU who were affected by the smoke caused by the fire.

The room was completely destroyed leading to losses totalling $25M to $30M, according to a statement from the Guyana Fire Service.

According to the fire service, a report of the fire was made at 5:24h. As a result, Water Tenders #102, #105, #106 and #112 from the Central, Campbellville and Alberttown Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the New Market Street, North Cummingsburg location.

The fire occurred in the echocardiograph room which is located on the first floor of the GPHC and the entire room was severely damaged.

The prompt response of the GFS resulted in the containment of the blaze and prevented it from spreading to other parts of the hospital.

Firefighters used five CO2 extinguishers to extinguish the fire and there were no casualties or injuries, the fire Service reported.

The Guyana Fire Service along with the Guyana Police Force are presently conducting investigations to determine what caused the fire.

Initial reports suggest that the fire was an act of arson.

(Guyana Fire Service photos)