“The Tragic Fire at Kikwit General Hospital: A Disaster That Calls into Question the Safety of Healthcare Facilities”
During the night of Monday to Tuesday, a terrible fire ravaged Pavilion 5 of the Kikwit General Hospital, resulting in the destruction of 38 metal beds, 36 bedside tables, 2 washbasins, as well as 50 boxes of inputs and 100 kits intended for the care of patients with COVID-19. This disaster caused considerable material losses and raises questions about security measures in health establishments.
According to the medical director of the hospital, the building was completely reduced to ashes. To limit the damage, vital equipment such as respirators were removed from the pavilion beforehand. However, the origin of the fire remains a mystery. Doctor Don de Dieu Kambashi, the medical director, indicates that there was not even electricity in the building, which makes the incident all the more alarming.
According to hospital guards, Pavilion 5 was known to be a place of insecurity, plagued by acts of vandalism and theft. Young offenders have been arrested on several occasions for stealing light bulbs from the premises. Police guards say thugs were often seen in the area, threatening people and causing trouble. This history raises concerns about the protection of healthcare facilities and the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
It is important to point out that the burned pavilion had been built during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically to accommodate patients suffering from this disease. This significant loss of medical equipment, in the midst of a health crisis, highlights the challenges facing health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This fire also raises questions about the responsibilities of local authorities in terms of fire prevention and the safety of hospital structures. It is essential to carry out a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the fire and to take the necessary measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, the devastating fire at Kikwit General Hospital highlights the flaws in the security of health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The loss of essential medical equipment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgency of strengthening security measures and improving fire prevention in health facilities