Senator Hontiveros to probe alleged violation of Hospital in Bacolod City

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros yesterday asked the Department of Health to investigate a hospital in Bacolod City for alleged medical negligence which led to the death of a woman pregnant with twins.

The death of the MaryJoy Geronca, 21, on January 17 and her unborn twins after being brought to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital is currently being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation in Bacolod City.

Dr. Julius Drilon, CLMMRH chief, yesterday said no negligence was committed and they are ready to face any investigation.

He said Geronca was referred to the CLMMRH by a lying in clinic because twin pregnancies are high risks and she went to the hospital on December 18.

Geronca, who was accompanied by her sister, had difficulty breathing and was advised that she needed to be admitted but she refused, he said.

He said that on January 16, Geronca, who had difficulty breathing, was brought to the emergency room of the CLMMRH and her twins died in her stomach, while she passed away the next day.

By the time she arrived at the CLMMRH Geronca was suffering from an advanced stage of eclampsia and there was nothing the hospital could do to save her, he said.

The father and husband of Geronca have filed a complaint against the hospital before the NBI.

Hontiveros, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed alarm in her press release at what she said is a growing number of cases regarding alleged medical negligence and hospitals refusing emergency medical care to patients.

In the initial field investigation conducted by the Office of Hontiveros, an eight-month pregnant patient identified as Mary Joy Geronca, 21, was rushed to the CLMMRH on January 17 due to shortness of breath, but she was asked to line up for 30 minutes in the emergency room despite her condition, the press release said.

After finally being admitted to the emergency room, her partner, Joshua Canete, was surprised to see doctors trying to revive Mary Joy, it added.

Hontiveros said that she will closely coordinate with the DoH to determine the circumstances that led to the Bacolod incident.*CPG