Hospital owner, 2 others face raps for refusing patient

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – The city prosecutor’s office here has found probable cause to file charges against the owner of a hospital and two others for the death of a patient who was refused admission two years ago for failing to pay the full deposit.

In an 11-page decision issued on Jan. 14, but released only last week, assistant city prosecutor Benjamen Uy recommended the filing of criminal charges against Claudio Estacio, owner of the Butuan Doctors Hospital, for violating Republic Act 8344.

Hospital supervisor Maria Nita Gorme and admission staff Jackie Lincuna were also named respondents in the case.

Reports showed the hospital refused to admit a 10-year-old girl who had congenital heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems because her mother had only P10,000. The hospital demanded a P30,000 deposit.

The Department of Health in the Caraga region has yet to act on the complaint filed by the parents of the girl against the hospital.

The law prohibits soliciting or collecting a deposit or any form of advance payment for the confinement or treatment of a patient.