ABOUT 30 participants of the Regional Convention of the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc. (PLGPMI) were rushed to different hospitals last Friday afternoon due to food poisoning.
Elleh Ecarma, regional president of PLGPMI, confirmed reports about the incident and said they handled the medical expenses of those confined at the hospitals.
She said the incident occurred at a mall in Mandaue City when the midwives were served meals by the caterer Maria Lina Catering Services.
Two hours after they ate lunch, some participants complained of stomachache.
Ecarma said some participants refused to be confined after they were checked and given medication by the hospitals where they were brought.
One of the participants named Mira Mendez, whose husband is president of the PLGPMI in Bohol province, had been rushed to the hospital after nearly fainting due to stomach discomfort.
Based on her lab exam results, Mendez was found out to have gotten sick with amoebiasis. Mendez is said to be continuing medication at home, declining to be confined longer in a hospital.
Dr. Shelbay Blanco, medical officer of DOH-7, said they will investigate the incident.
In a statement, Maria Lina Catering Services said they are still waiting for the lab results of the food sample they gave to the regional Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7).
They also promised to shoulder the medical expenses of the victims.
Ecarma said they may consider legal action against the caterer after ensuring that the victims are cared for.