The Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief of Negros Oriental emphasized yesterday that medical workers in government hospitals are not allowed to engage in the short mobile video application TikTok or other similar online platforms while on duty.

Dr. Liland Estacion told the Philippine News Agency that an investigation is underway regarding a viral social media post accusing a nurse at the Bais District Hospital in Bais City of using TikTok, but ignoring repeated requests to see a patient in distress.

“It’s a big no for them to play TikTok while at work. Patients and other duties must come first,” Estacion said.

“I have talked to the chief of hospital, Dr. Mark Aranas, regarding the incident, and he will be submitting a report soon. Initially, according to him, the accusations were exaggerated,” she added.

A Facebook post by the patient’s daughter claimed that the family approached the nurse a few times to come over and check on their father and have his empty IV (intravenous fluid) bag replaced.

The daughter also said the medication given to her father may have caused his death. This claim cannot be independently verified.

Estacion declined to comment on the allegations until the final incident report is submitted.

Still, she reassured the public that proper sanctions would be imposed upon the conclusion of the investigation, with due process, if any of the hospital workers were found to be remiss in their duties. (PNA)