Mom needs help to get baby from Laguna hospital

A mother who gave birth prematurely to a boy four months ago needs P700,000 to obtain his release from a Laguna hospital.

Eleonor Escarpe, 34, of Planas Ville, Muntinlupa City, said that as of November 10, she still owed the University of Perpetual Help-Dr. Jose G. Yamayo Medical Center in Biñan City  P710,144.

“I gave birth to a baby boy on July 19, but until now I have not even touched or hugged him,” Escarpe told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

She said she was able to see her baby whom she had named John Aron Charles when she brought him milk and diapers, but she is strictly prohibited by the hospital staff from carrying, much less embracing him.

“My baby has remained at the nursery intensive care unit due to pneumonia and pulmonary problems,” she said, “He only weighed 1.14 kilos then.”

Escarpe gave the Inquirer a copy of the hospital’s statement of accounts, including a breakdown of expenses.

The hospital had spent P407,000 for oxygen, P113,700 for miscellaneous nursery expenses and P111,700 for respiratory therapy.

Escarpe said she cannot pay the amount because she only earns P300 a day as a caddie at Alabang Town and Country Club.

Her partner Edgar Angeles, who used to work as a grass cutter along the South Expressway, has been jobless since finishing his contract.

“I hope to get my son before Christmas,” she said, adding that she had delivered her baby in the  normal manner and had already paid P40,000 to the hospital. Santiago R. Alcantara