Arroyo’s doctor recommends treatment in Austria or US

Former President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo: In ‘very risky’ condition

MANILA, Philippines—Former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can now be discharged from the Makati Medical Center—despite her being in a “very critical” condition—so  she can travel abroad for treatment, her doctor said Friday.

Dr. Roberto Anastacio, Arroyo’s cardiologist in Makati Medical Center, during a press briefing Friday pointed out that she has to take great care in eating and drinking. He said that he had “taken a clearance from Dr. Antonio Sison of VMMC,” where she used to be confined before she was granted bail last month.

Several tests made by doctors of the former President found out that the titanium plates surgically inserted in the former president’s neck were moving, Anastacio said.

Anastacio has advised Arroyo that she “had no option but to correct it.” He said that the “mount,” which protruded in the area where a plate was surgically inserted into Arroyo’s neck, was now closer to the airway for food and air.

The titanium plate showed progress in movement from May to August this year, he added.  He advised Arroyo to travel now that she is still able to and “not wait until she cannot.”

Asked if Arroyo’s condition was fatal, he said that the former chief executive was in a “very risky” condition. “She is in fear, takot nang kumain. Dehydrated na siya.”

When asked when the Pampanga lawmaker should seek treatment, he said, “Today. Ayoko nang maghintay.” Arroyo has agreed to follow his advice that she undergo treatment, he added.

Anastacio said that neurophysiologists and a “support structure” in the form of research and development personnel are needed. He recommended that Arroyo travel to Austria or the United States where he knew there were medical practitioners equipped to treat her.

“Hindi puwede magawa ’yan dito,” he maintained.

House leaders have been divided in their views on the need for Arroyo to fly abroad for a second opinion on her medical condition. Her ally, House minority leader Danilo Suarez earlier urged concerned authorities to issue an allow-departure order for the Pampanga lawmaker so she can see a specialist based in New York.

 
There is still a hold-departure order on Arroyo, despite having been released on bail from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.