City to investigate ‘dropping’ of baby at VSMMC

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will also investigate reports that a newborn allegedly fell or was accidentally dropped Wednesday at the delivery room in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Hospital.

City Councilor Gerardo Carillo said he will initiate on looking for the baby’s parents involved in the incident, which has been denied by the hospital in its preliminary investigation.

Carillo, chairperson of the committee on social services, said he will also wait for the results of the investigation of the hospital.

With the incident, Carillo said it is now time to push for the drafting of the “patient’s rights” ordinance that would penalize health practitioners who do not treat patients properly.

“It’s the right time to push for the patient’s rights ordinance because this would help protect the rights of our patients,” he said.

He said that without prejudice to the hospital, the welfare and health of the patients should be upheld especially children.

It was earlier reported that the city council’s committee on laws and committee on health would draft the said ordinance.

According to Carillo, the ordinance came out of his mind after the May 9 incident where a seven-day old baby’s lips were sealed with a tape while inside the nursery at the Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House, Inc. Until now, the parents of the “taped baby” have not yet filed cases against the hospital or the medical practitioner amid rumors of settlement, which the parents have belied.

Meanwhile, the father of the baby allegedly dropped at VSMMC said they are hoping to be released from the hospital today.

“Hirap na baby at asawa ko, 4 sila nagsisiksikan sa isang bed,” he said in a text message.

He refused to answer further questions pending the recovery of his wife and baby.

VSMMC will be releasing their detailed report tomorrow.  (FREEMAN)