By Felipe V Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz— A 31-year-old woman cried discrimination from several health facilities where she wanted to give birth on Aug 16, 2020 here.
Liezel Anonoy-Gregorio of Barangay Culasi first went to the City Health Office after she suffered abdominal pain.
But she was dismayed after the CHO staff prevented them from entering and instead asked them to wait outside after learning that she came from Brgy. Culasi where four of its residents were positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through local transmission.
According to Gregorio, they waited for 30 minutes outside the CHO.
They later decided to transfer to the Well-Family Birthing Clinic and San Ramon Birthing Clinic but the two birthing clinics refused to accommodate them for the same reason that they came from Culasi.
Because of her situation, the woman decided to go home and seek the help of a “hilot” to give birth to her child.
Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas immediately issued a statement against the alleged discrimination by the three birthing clinics after learning of the incident.
But CHO officer-in-charge Dr. Lorie Cahilog denied Gregorio’s statement.
Cahilog said they never refused to help but they only stressed that some protocols should be followed.
When they checked the records of the woman, it was found out that she underwent pre-natal examination at the CHO twice only and she failed to undergo laboratory when asked.
Because of this, Gregorio was considered a “high-risk” person the reason why she should be admitted to the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH).
After calling the RMPH for referral of admission, Gregorio and her companions were no longer at the premises of the CHO.
Cahilog said another woman from Culasi also gave birth at the same birthing clinic.
Meanwhile, the management of San Ramon Birthing Center also denied Gregorio’s complaint.
According to Eusebio Alcazar, San Ramon birthing clinic administrator, Gregorio was allowed to enter the clinic but she failed to present any health certificate.
Because she was about to deliver her fifth child and she had no health certificate, they were advised to transfer to RMPH because she was considered “high risk”.
