Iloilo probes 2 hospitals over patient refusal, infant death

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Hospital Management Office (PHMO) is investigating complaints involving Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital (RPGTMH) in Guimbal and Sara District Hospital, including an alleged refusal to admit a patient and a separate case involving the death of an infant.

PHMO head Atty. Yoko Marie Eguia said in an interview on Oct. 26 that the office, which oversees the province-run hospitals, had convened an emergency meeting and coordinated with the chiefs of both hospitals to gather information on the complaints.

She said the investigation remains at the information-gathering stage as officials work to establish the facts and observe due process before determining whether hospital personnel committed any lapses.

“If possible lapses are established, the matter will be referred to Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for fact-finding and possible formal investigation,” she said.

Guimbal complaint

One complaint stemmed from a social media post by Keith Villanueva dated Oct. 23.

Villanueva alleged that his younger brother was not given adequate medical attention at RPGTMH after figuring in a motorcycle accident on the morning of Oct. 23 in Miagao, a town adjacent to Guimbal.

According to Villanueva, his brother underwent an X-ray but was not admitted to the Guimbal hospital.

The family also alleged that hospital personnel did not provide a referral when they requested to transfer the patient to a hospital in Iloilo City, reportedly because the attending physician considered his condition “okay.”

Concerned about his condition, the family brought him to a facility in San Joaquin for a CT scan before transferring him to St. Paul’s Hospital in Iloilo City.

Villanueva questioned the hospital’s assessment of his brother’s condition and appealed to management to ensure that patients receive appropriate medical attention.

Under Republic Act No. 10932, or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, hospitals are prohibited from refusing appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency or serious cases when necessary to prevent death or permanent disability.

The law, which took effect in 2017, amended Batas Pambansa Blg. 702 and strengthened penalties against hospitals and medical personnel who refuse or delay emergency care.

Transfers to facilities capable of providing the required care must comply with prescribed treatment, stabilization, and transfer procedures.

Whether these requirements were observed in the Guimbal incident remains subject to the PHMO investigation.

Infant death in Sara

The office is also investigating a complaint involving Sara District Hospital, where an infant reportedly died.

Eguia said the PHMO was still gathering information to establish the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.

The office is also seeking to reach the complainants to hear their accounts and determine what action may be warranted.

“We take these concerns seriously, because every patient deserves timely, appropriate, and compassionate care,” the office said in a separate statement.

Hospital responds

In a statement on Oct. 25, RPGTMH management and staff appealed to patients, clients, and community members to raise complaints directly with hospital personnel or the administration.

The hospital said it remained committed to providing safe, compassionate, and quality health care within the limits of its available resources.

“We sincerely welcome questions, concerns, suggestions and feedback,” the hospital said.

It also urged the public to refrain from making hurtful statements, threats, and confrontational social media posts against health care workers and the institution.

The hospital said such posts could affect staff morale and compromise the safety of personnel serving the community.

It encouraged patients and their families to communicate their concerns respectfully, saying feedback could help the institution identify areas for improvement and strengthen its services.

The PHMO also urged the public to share information responsibly and avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

For concerns regarding provincial hospital services, the PHMO may be reached at (033) 328-7912 or (033) 328-7952, or through hmo.iloilo@gmail.com and hmo@iloilo.gov.ph.