MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered hospitals to admit in their facilities all patients suffering from any kind of illness, including those suspected COVID-19 carriers, or face suspension.
Duterte issued the stern warning after reports reached his office about a patient in Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija who died after being refused admission by six hospitals.
“You know that’s wrong. So if that’ true, I will really ask the justice department to prosecute you. You know that’s not allowed,” Duterte said in his late Monday night public address.
“Everyone who is sick — heart attack, appendicitis, a brain that ruptured– especially government hospital, my order is must accept admission. You fail on that, I will relieve all of you in the hospital and you consider yourselves suspended because the written order will follow,” he added.
As of Monday, the Philippines as of Monday has confirmed 4,932 cases of COVID-19, with 315 deaths and 242 patients who recovered.
/atm