Janet’s illness not life threatening – doctors

MANILA, Philippines - Government doctors who examined alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles yesterday found a lump in her uterus but it is not life threatening, contrary to an earlier diagnosis that she had ovarian cyst. 

Napoles underwent complete medical tests at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame after she complained of bleeding believed to have been caused by a cyst in her ovary.       

Medical tests conducted on Napoles showed that she has no ovarian cyst, said Chief Superintendent Alejandro Advincula, PNP Health Service director.

Advincula said results of her transvaginal ultrasound and pap smear procedures showed that Napoles was no longer suffering from bleeding.

She also complained of toothache and ingrown nail on her right index finger.

Advincula said there is no need for Napoles to be confined in the hospital. 

Chief Inspector Michelle Daguno, OB-gynecologist at the PNP General Hospital, said they found a lump in the uterus of Napoles but it is not cause for alarm.

Daguno said they explained to Napoles that her condition is not life threatening.

She also underwent electrocardiogram test as she complained of difficulty in breathing but the ECG result turned out to be normal, doctors said.

Judge Elmo Alameda of the Makati Regional Trial Court earlier granted Napoles’ request to undergo medical tests due to a suspected cyst in her right ovary.   

Escorted by operatives of the Special Action Force and Regional Police Safety Battalion, Napoles arrived at the PNP General Hospital at 7:15 a.m.    

Advincula said Napoles was immediately subjected to a physical exam but other medical procedures were delayed due to the absence of her doctors and lawyers.         

He said the medical tests lasted for about two hours. 

The PNP shouldered the P3,000 medical expense of the alleged pork scam brains on top of the P120,000 shelled out by the government for her transport and security. 

For its part, Malacañang was noncommittal when asked to comment on calls to have Napoles transferred to a regular jail amid the high costs of providing protection to a high-risk detainee.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday the PNP was constrained to follow the rule of court to provide security for Napoles because of her involvement in a high-profile case.  – With Aurea Calica