By CESAR JOLITO III
The Cauayan District Hospital (CDH) denied allegations of medical neglect and lack of oxygen supply in connection with the death of a patient who was critically injured due to a gunshot on New Year’s Day, stating that all actions taken were within standard emergency medical care and were fully documented.
In a statement released by hospital management, CDH said the patient was immediately attended to upon arrival at the emergency room and was provided with standard emergency interventions, including oxygen therapy via face mask, intravenous access, emergency medications, and continuous monitoring.
“Based on the patient’s records, the patient was promptly received, assessed and provided with the necessary emergency medical management,” the statement said.
Hospital officials stressed that the attending physician thoroughly informed the patient’s partner of the victim’s critical and unstable condition.
According to CDH, the risks and possible outcomes — including respiratory arrest — were clearly explained as consequences of a fatal gunshot wound, massive blood loss and trauma-related oxygen deprivation, and not due to any shortage of oxygen at the facility.
CDH further clarified that sufficient oxygen supply was available and promptly administered.
The option to refer the patient to a higher-level medical facility was discussed, and an ambulance was already prepared and on standby.
However, hospital officials said the patient’s partner had not immediately decided on the referral.
The hospital also denied claims of preferential treatment, emphasizing that all patients in the emergency room were managed equally and according to the severity of their conditions, in line with established emergency care protocols.
“[The hospital] also emphasizes that no special treatment was given to any patient involved in the incident. All patients were managed fairly and equally by the medical staff,” it said.
Despite timely and appropriate medical interventions, the patient later suffered cardiopulmonary arrest.
Medical staff immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but all efforts to revive the patient were unsuccessful.
CDH strongly rejected allegations of negligence, lack of oxygen, ambulance unavailability, and special treatment.
The hospital appealed to the public to exercise responsibility in the use of social media, urging netizens to refrain from spreading unfounded accusations that could lead to unjust criticism and shaming of healthcare workers and institutions./CJ, WDJ