Guv orders probe on handling of COVID-19 patient’s body

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao ordered an investigation on the possible lapses on the handling of the cadaver of a COVID-19 positive Antiqueño that was left unattended at the morgue of the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH).

The patient, who passed away last April 23, 2021, was 55-year-old tricycle driver Nolasco Samillano.

In an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA), Joshua Samillano, the son of Nolasco, said his father was first admitted to the ASMGH last April 23.

They thought that he was suffering from pneumonia but an antigen test on the same day revealed that he was positive for Covid-19. Unfortunately, he passed away on the same day.

According to Joshua, they thought that the remains of his father had been buried until a nurse from the hospital called them last May 1 to claim it.

The provincial government of Antique has issued a statement over the weekend admitting that there were indeed lapses in the handling of Nolasco’s remains, which was a clear violation of the sanitation code and public health protocols.

“It is with great regret that the Governor wishes to inform the public that there are some lapses in the handling of the remains of our kasimanwa who passed away due to COVID-19 at ASMGH more than a week ago. The Governor has already ordered an investigation, as it is a clear violation of the sanitation code and public health protocols,” the statement said.

Cadiao also ordered the immediate burial of Samillano.

Pursuant to Department Memorandum No. 2020-0158 issued by the Department of Health (DOH) last year on the proper handling of the remains of suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of Covid-19, the procedure for burial and cremation shall be done within 12 hours after death.

The staff must also practice hand hygiene, use of masks, gloves, googles, and other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as a standard precaution. (ERS)