Midwives cleared of gross neglect raps

TWO midwives were exonerated in relation to the July 20, 2013-incident in Badian, southern Cebu wherein a mother lost her baby after she was allegedly turned away from a government-run birthing center.

The anti-graft office dismissed the case for gross neglect of duty filed against Ma. Beatriz Vasquez and Luzviminda dela Torre Bruce.

The decision was issued last March 21,2014, penned by Michael M. Mernado, graft investigation officer, and reviewed by Jane Aguilar, officer-in-charge of Evaluation and Investigation Office.
Vasquez said she received last July 6 the decision approved by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol.

“I am very happy that the truth came out. I feel so relieved as I read the decision,” Vasquez said.
The investigator found no substantial evidence against them.

Benjamin Javierto, the husband of Regina, stated that last July 20, 2013, he brought his wife to Badian Birth Center when his wife complained of a stomachache. He said one of the midwives asked for Regina’s prenatal card when they arrived.

He then approached Vasquez who said his wife needed to be sent to the hospital because there is no incubator at the birthing center.

“She said that it was a stomachache, but to make sure, I asked her if she discharged water or blood for us to determine, but there was none,” Vasquez said.

“Niana ang amahan kung pwede ba unya na sila moadto sa hospital kung madala ra pero niana ko nga didto lang sa hospital kay basin naay abnormal delivery mahitabo.” (The husband asked if they could postpone going to the hospital but I told them to go immediately.)

The birthing center doesn’t have an incubator for premature babies. Regina was also diagnosed as hypertensive. A “Certificate of Fetal Death” which showed that the fetus died before the onset of labor was presented.

It was also revealed that Regina had previous a checkup at the birthing center two days before the incident and that the baby’s heartbeat could no longer be detected. She was advised to have an ultrasound for verification.

“There was no ambulance available that time because it was on standby so another pregnant woman who was about to deliver would be brought to the city,” Vasquez said.