Bulawan death underlines need for emergency services in PBA team practices, says top doc

THE death of Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan has underscored the need for the PBA to put premium on the welfare of players not only in games but more so in practices, a former president of the Philippine Heart Association said.

Well-known cardiologist and Philippine Heart Center doctor Marcelito Durante said emergency services that are required during league games should be all the more present during team practices, which are often more strenuous to all the players in one ballclub.

Durante, who is the cardiologist of former President Joseph Estrada, spoke just days after Bulawan, 29, collapsed during Blackwater's practice at the SGS Gym and was declared dead on arrival at the Capitol Medical Center.

An autopsy report later revealed the PBA player suffered from an enlarged heart.

“Strictly speaking wala ba ngayon (first aid team)? I think, that will be ideal, a doctor who is on standby during practice and an ambulance, anything can really happen, I don’t want to say i-require, but that will be ideal,” Durante said.

A standby doctor during practices will save lives, the doctor added. -spin.ph

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