BY JEN BAYLON
CAPIZ – Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro has called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged negligence that led to the tragic deaths of 27-year-old Edelyn Valguna and her newborn at the Mabusao District Hospital.
The incident occurred on Oct. 30 and has since raised concerns over the hospital’s handling of her case.
“Our foremost responsibility is ensuring the health and safety of our constituents. The loss of Ms. Valguna and her child is a heartbreaking event, and we are committed to a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts, assign responsibility, and pursue justice,” said Castro during a press briefing on November 3.
The governor directed the formation of a task force comprised of medical specialists, legal consultants, and local health department officials. This team is tasked with scrutinizing hospital protocols, interviewing staff and witnesses, and reviewing all pertinent evidence concerning the case.
Castro also appealed to the community for any relevant information regarding their experiences at the hospital, aiming to amass a complete assessment of the facility’s operations and pinpoint critical areas needing improvement.
“This incident must serve as a catalyst for the advancement of our patient care standards and for enacting vital reforms to protect our people,” the governor said. “Our goal is to rebuild public confidence in our healthcare system. The people of Capiz deserve justice, and we must prevent such misfortunes from reoccurring.”
Edelyn, who was reportedly past her due date, arrived at the hospital around 11 a.m. on Monday, shortly after voting, in anticipation of labor.
Janeth Villaruel, a relative, recounted in a Bombo Radyo Roxas interview that Edelyn was 10 days past her delivery date. She underwent three induction procedures and was rushed for an examination in the operating room by 4 p.m.
The family was later informed by a nurse of the newborn’s death, attributed to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the infant’s neck.
Subsequently, a waiver was presented to Edelyn’s 25-year-old sibling for signature, the contents and purpose of which, Janeth alleges, were not clarified.
The family was also tasked with procuring five bags of blood for Edelyn and negotiating the settlement of a P21,325.10 hospital bill before transferring to another facility in Iloilo was permitted.
It was not until the departure from the Mambusao District Hospital around 4 a.m. that the family became aware of Edelyn being intubated. Upon their arrival at another hospital in Iloilo, Edelyn was pronounced dead.
The deceased baby girl would have been Edelyn’s third child. Her previous two deliveries, which took place at the same hospital, were normal./PN