VCMC director apologizes for giving expired ointment

CEBU, Philippines- The medical director of the Visayas Community Medical Center has apologized for an “oversight” in dispensing “expired” ointments.

 “We are very sorry for the oversight causing an unfortunate incident. It was unintentional,” VCMC medical director Eli Belarmino said.

 The hospital’s medical personnel dispensed two boxes of expired Vandol ointments to Sherlane Sanchez as part of the hygiene kit after she gave birth on June 28.

The 24-year-old mother said she applied the ointments on her baby’s neck, which had rashes that time. But instead of healing, the rashes worsened days later and even spread across the infant’s face.

Belarmino said if the ointments were expired they no longer have effects or could no longer cure an infection or illness. He said the ointments were only “sample” given by a drug company for free.

“Kun na-expire it should have been the opposite dili mo-take effect or negative ang result. Maybe nigrabe kay wala ni-take effect. That is possible,” he said.

 He added that the occurrence of rashes among newly-born babies is “normal.”

 Based on the fact-finding inquiry last week, Belarmino admitted that his personnel “overlooked” on checking the expiry or ‘best by’ dates of perishable products because the medicines were sealed when given to the patient.

 “Dugay na ang tambal gi-stock tapos wala giukab to check sa expiry kay naka-seal ang package or busy ang staff to open it,” he said.

 “We apologize but it does not mean it’s our fault. Human as we are dili malikayan nga sometimes naa tay ma-overlook. In this case, unintentional nga naay nasulod nga expired na tambal…” he added.

 He promised that “we will try our best to give quality care” to ensure the patient’s safety.

 “We are doing everything to correct the incident. That’s why I told my staff to check and double check all medicines dispensed to avoid the same to happen again,” he said.

 The baby’s mother has filed a complaint before the Department of Health last week due to the alleged negligence of VCMC personnel. (FREEMAN)