Government hospital bounces back

The government-run East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City has undertaken reforms after being plagued with controversies concerning the wrong type of blood that it transferred to a patient last year.

Dr. Roland Cortez, newly-appointed director of EAMC, said the issue had caused depression among hospital officials and employees, but this did not prevent them from getting back up.

Last year, EAMC was rocked by the death of patient Victoria Deraco who was transmitted with the wrong blood type. The victims was pregnant then.

A total of 10 personnel, including seven doctors, have been charged before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s office for the incident.

Yesterday, the hospital inaugurated its North Wing building, which had been renovated for better services.

According to Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit, the services at the EAMC had been reviewed in the aftermath of the controversy.

"We do not deny that we have encountered some problems in the past, but we are proud to say that we have made crucial adjustments to prevent a repetition of such as incident," Dayrit noted.

Cortez claimed the hospital had also hired contractual employees to augments its work force and purchase new equipment and supplies.

He added that they also improve their procurement system and payment system to ensure quality service for the public. – Sheila Crisistomo