SENATOR Christopher “Bong Go” has expressed outrage and disappointment over the death of a 9-month-old baby allegedly due to negligence at a hospital in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, has called for a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident to determine accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“I extend my condolences to the parents of the baby who died after allegedly being refused admission three times at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, a DOH-run hospital, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol,” Go stated.
The senator expressed his deep dismay, emphasizing that no Filipino should suffer such a fate due to failures in the healthcare system.
Go has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to immediately conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, stressing that those found responsible for the incident must be held accountable. The issue came to light after the baby’s mother, Maricel Igang, shared a viral Facebook post detailing the events.
Igang recounted that her baby experienced fever, vomiting, and diarrhea on March 2. Despite taking her child to the hospital on March 3, 4, and 5, the baby was repeatedly denied admission, with medical staff claiming the case was not critical. Despite the child’s weakening condition and lack of responsiveness, the hospital staff downplayed the severity of the situation. The baby’s condition eventually worsened, leading to its death.
Go has encouraged the public to report any healthcare service complaints to his office, assuring them that their concerns will be addressed. He reiterated that ensuring prompt access to quality healthcare, particularly for the poor, is a top priority.
“The health, welfare, and well-being of our people, particularly the poor, are my foremost concerns. Health is life and is non-negotiable for me,” Go stated. He acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts to improve services, many Filipinos still struggle to access timely medical care.
The DOH is expected to launch a full investigation into the incident, with the findings potentially leading to disciplinary action against the hospital staff involved.
The public is closely watching to see how the DOH addresses this case and whether it will result in tangible improvements to the healthcare system.
