East Avenue Medical Center Probes Patient Death
MANILA, Philippines — The East Avenue Medical Center management in Quezon City is actively investigating a patient death following a viral Facebook post that accused hospital staff of incompetence and lack of skills. The hospital acknowledged the incident and expressed condolences to the grieving family, emphasizing their commitment to professional care.
Family Shares Heartbreaking Experience
On social media, user Shaira Bugarin described her father’s tragic passing at East Avenue Medical Center on July 25. She labeled the facility as the “worst hospital” and cautioned the public to be vigilant when selecting where to bring their ill relatives.
“I know this post won’t bring my father’s life back, but again, I hope this post will serve as a reminder to everyone to be careful in choosing the hospital to bring your loved ones to,” she wrote.
Regretted Hospital Choice Amid Urgent Surgery Needs
Bugarin revealed that after her father was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April, medical advice was to transfer him to a larger hospital capable of immediate surgery. The family opted for East Avenue Medical Center over Philippine General Hospital due to proximity, a choice she now deeply regrets.
Allegations of Unprofessionalism and Inadequate Care
The family accused young doctors at the hospital of unprofessional behavior, insufficient skills, and limited medical knowledge. They reported that doctors were often unresponsive, with one Neurology specialist visiting her father only once every five days.
Furthermore, Bugarin claimed many hospital staff struggled with basic procedures such as blood extraction and transfusion. She also noted the hospital cited overcapacity issues, forcing her to secure a wheelchair herself so her father could be admitted to the emergency room.
Calls for Professionalism and Compassion
“You should be professional enough so the patients will not feel that you don’t want to treat them! You act like children throwing tantrums on why you’re handling a patient you claim you shouldn’t be handling,” she said in Filipino.
She added, “I know it happens in every public hospital, but it doesn’t mean that it is right and should be tolerated.”
Hospital Responds to Criticism
The East Avenue Medical Center welcomed the feedback as an opportunity to improve. “We are now investigating the experience of the patient and the family. We are open to — and we sincerely hope for — constructive dialogue, so that we can all heal,” hospital officials reported.
They reaffirmed their commitment: “Our top priority remains the health and well-being of all of our patients, through professional and compassionate conduct among all our frontline healthcare providers.”
Health Department Defers to Hospital Statement
When questioned, a Department of Health spokesperson confirmed that East Avenue Medical Center is a DOH hospital and deferred to their official statement on the matter.
For more news and updates on East Avenue Medical Center, visit Filipinokami.com.
