IPHO denies boy was "hostage" at hospital

CEBU, Philippines - The Integrated Provincial Health Office denied reports that the death of a two-year-old boy in Tuburan District Hospital last Monday was because of the hospital’s refusal to allow the patient’s transfer to a Cebu City hospital until the bills are paid.

IPHO chief Christina Giango said the hospital was just following the proper procedure in computing the bills before a patient is to be released.

However, Giango said it does not follow that the patient will not be released if he or she cannot pay the bills for the moment.

“Procedure gyud na kwentahan sila kung pilay bayranan, but dili gyud policy sa hospital na i-detain sila kung dili kabayad,” Giango told The FREEMAN.

The family of Nelmart Balucos, who died in Tuburan District Hospital last Monday, has accused the hospital management of refusing to release the patient because they did not have the money to pay the P990 hospital bills.

The patient who was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration and pneumonia was recommended by his attending physician for immediate transfer to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

However, the boy died before he could be transferred because his family did not have money to pay for the bills.

 But, Giango said the hospital cashier Tessie Bucag told her that they did not prevent the patient’s transfer to Vicente Sotto Hospital.

Giango added that the patient was already very sick when he was taken into the hospital.

“Ang pasyente sad was very sick, acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration and pneumonia ang ila diagnose sa patient,” Giango said.

Giango said the hospital billing of the patient was charged to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) fund for indigents.

The Province of Cebu has allocated AICS for indigent patients who are not enrolled or member of the Philhealth insurance program in the amount of P1,000 each.

Meanwhile, the Professional Regulatory Commission is set to conduct its own investigation for possible violation in the practice of profession by some hospital personnel.

In an interview over DYDD Bantay Radyo, PRC-7 officer-in-charge Dan Malayang however said they still have to wait for a formal complaint from the family of the victim to acquire jurisdiction to investigate.

The PRC has jurisdiction over the licenses of medical professionals and can suspend, revoke or cancel for violation of the Republic Act 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000.”     - (THE FREEMAN)