A female doctor at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) is under investigation following a mother's complaint to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
During a forum with residents of Manila, Gina Lumtong shared that her 6-year old daughter was denied free medical treatment at the public hospital last month even though she exhibited dengue fever symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and nosebleeds.
The mother alleged that the doctor told them to first have blood tests done at Philippine General Hospital (PGH) because the OMMC laboratory was under repair. She found out that the PGH tests would cost up to P2,000. She only had P120 at the time.
Fortunately, they transferred to Sta. Ana hospital where her daughter received free medical services.
"There are other city government-owned hospitals where medical services are free."
In a grand gesture, Estrada stopped the forum to accompany mother and daughter to the OMMC. There, he personally scolded the doctor saying, “I’m doing everything for our hospitals, but then this is what you are doing with the patients… It was an emergency… And you referred them to other hospitals. You referred them to the PGH when there are other city government-owned hospitals where medical services are free.”
Many Filipinos worry about being able to avail of medical services for themselves or family members when the need arises. The government has been trying to do what it can by expanding PhilHealth coverage and providing free services at public hospitals.
READ: DOH: Free maintenance medication for hypertension and diabetes starting 2016
However, public healthcare is unreliable because the number of patients seeking treatment usually exceeds the capacity of the facilities and personnel. It is the reality in the Philippines today that saving up and preparing for medical emergencies is not optional.
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