DOH to probe taping of lips

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health-7 that said they will conduct a separate investigation regarding the incident in the Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House, Inc. where a nurse allegedly sealed a newborn baby’s lips with plaster.

DOH-7 Regional Director Jaime Bernades said this is the first time he heard of a case like this.

“Dili na mi maghulat (for the formal complaint from the parents) kay duna na man tay reports na ingon ana. Then, fact-finding lang naman,” said Bernades.

He added that a formal complaint from the parents will only be needed if they will be soliciting written affidavits on the case.

The fact-finding committee will be made-up of representatives from the quality assurance and regulations arm of the agency.

“These are all allegations so we have to investigate muna. For now, it is enough to send our team and ask for what is the situation, what are the facts, and everything will be given in a report,” he said.

The maternity hospital’s medical director Raida Varona said there is no need for the involvement of the DOH.

“Why DOH? It’s the problem of the hospital,” Varona said.

Bernades said even though his office was not asked to investigate, he will still send a team to look into the incident because he is still mandated to keep track of situations such as this.

“Ang ato man is, there is a situation that calls for an interest in behaviors and practices that will also entail a review from an agency that takes care of, or that promotes, quality service regulation of health facilities. And that is the Department of Health,” Bernades said.

Bernades also said giving pacifiers to infants and children is “not advisable, per se” as these are possible sources of contamination.

Preliminary statement

The hospital said they are still investigating the incident.

“We’re doing a deeper investigation on the matter and for sure, we’ll come up with something,” said Varona, adding the hospital will finish this as quickly as they can.

When asked who would be investigated, she said everyone on duty in the nursery at that time.

She also said sealing the baby’s mouth with tape is not normal procedure.

“Gagging? No, there’s no such thing as gagging. This is not a protocol,” she told reporters.

Varona also told reporters that the hospital officials are ready to talk with the parents of the baby, Ryan and Jasmine Badocdoc.

The couple is also willing to cooperate in the hospital’s investigation.

“Absolutely we will. We have been waiting for them to contact us actually since they have our contact number,” Ryan said.

Ryan said he is hoping his baby, which is still admitted in the same hospital due to an infection, will be released after a week.

Both Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III condemned the act of sealing the baby’s mouth.

“A baby’s cry is music to the ears,” Rama said.

“Let the child cry. Nine months siya sud sa womb sa iyang mother, the child has to be allowed to emote. Kung tinuod man gani na’ng giingon nga gi-tape-an, di gyud na tarong,” said Davide.

The Children’s Legal Bureau earlier warned of  the hospital’s possible violation of laws protecting children. Similar offense may also be leveled against the offender for violating Presidential Decree 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code), Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children against  Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination  Act), and RA 9262 (Violence against Women and Children). — with Evelyn C. Espinosa and Liv G. Campo/BRP (FREEMAN)