April 27, 2024 - In response to a series of alarming medical malpractice incidents, Senator Raffy Tulfo is taking decisive action. He plans to file a Senate Resolution in aid of legislation to revisit RA 2382 or the “Philippine Medical Act of 1959.”
The recent incidents include a patient who underwent a routine hysterectomy procedure at a private hospital. Five days later, due to severe abdominal pain, the patient was re-operated to investigate the issue. It was discovered that the patient’s intestine had been perforated during the robotic-assisted procedure, leading to a blood infection and subsequent death the next day.
In another incident, a young patient suffering from dengue was writhing in abdominal pain. The doctor applied a hot compress to the patient’s abdomen. However, instead of using a standard rubberized hot compress bag, surgical gloves filled with hot water were used, which burst while placed on the child’s abdomen, causing severe burns. As a result, the patient will need to undergo multiple surgeries.
There have been numerous incidents where patients developed infections post-surgery due to surgical instruments like scissors, scalpels, or gauze left inside their bodies. Raffy Tulfo in Action (RTIA), a public service program, has received countless complaints from patients or their relatives about negligence or misdiagnosis by doctors and hospitals, resulting in unsuccessful surgeries and patient deaths.
Senator Tulfo’s proposed Senate Resolution aims to expedite the investigation of all medical malpractice cases, impose severe penalties on the guilty, and ensure that victims receive proper compensation and justice. This move underscores Senator Tulfo’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of patients and upholding the standards of medical practice in the country.