by Mary Claire U.
Catado
UP Cebu Intern
THE Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 has cleared the St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital of liability in the death of an 8-month-old boy who was treated for dehydration in the government facility in Cebu City.
DOH Regional Director Jaime Bernadas said there were no shortcomings found in the conduct of the hospital staff.
“The hospital complied with all necessary requirements but if the complainants are not satisfied with the full report, I suggest that they pursue appropriate moves or file a complaint with the Professional Regulation Commission or the courts,” he said.
Results of the DOH-7 inquiry will be given to the child’s parents today.
Bernadas said the baby’s parents submitted a letter of complaint alleging malpractice on the part of the doctors but did not submit any affidavits.
“Perhaps the only thing I can do for them is to give them advice,” he said.
Bernadas said the DOH has no capability to review the case in depth and that it is better handled by experts in pediatrics.
“The Philippine Pediatrics Society which is under the Philippine Medical Association governs norms of medical practice in pediatrics,” he said.
The baby’s parents, Marifhe Ylaya and Haryl Visaya, residents of Bohol province, said the doctors and medical director were negligent in handling their firstborn.
The baby was suffering from diarrhea and vomiting when he was brought to the hospital as an outpatient on June 2. The infant was later rushed to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Center where he died.
The death certificate stated the cause of death as acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration in hypotensive shock.