MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into reports that six hospitals refused to admit an elderly who was having difficulty breathing and ended up dying at home.
Guevarra said the NBI has 10 days to submit a report on the progress of its investigation.
The incident was about the death of a 65-year-old man identified as Ladislao Cabling, who was having difficulty breathing. He was taken to six hospitals, but he was turned away. He died at his home last April 8.
“The DOJ has already directed the NBI to investigate the incident,” Secretary Guevarra added.
Cabling’s daughter, Girlie Cagaoan said the hospitals turned them down, citing lack of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities.
She said a nurse in one of the hospitals even told her that her father had symptoms of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) without conducting any test.
“The DOJ will act promptly on any similar complaints for alleged violation of the law penalizing hospitals for refusing to administer initial medical treatment in emergency cases,” Guevarra said.