ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga City Medical Center has strongly denied accusations by the family of a Muslim boy who died recently there was due to neglect.
The five-year old Edzhar Damasani, who was attacked by a pack of dogs in Basilan province last week, died in the hospital after he was brought here for emergency care.
The victim’s family blamed the Zamboanga City Medical Center for allegedly failing to immediately attend to the boy despite repeated pleadings until he expired. The boy was mauled by stray dogs, numbering about 10, in Isabela City.
His family transferred him to the state-run hospital after he received emergency care at a hospital in the province. The boy’s grandmother accused the hospital of neglect leading to the death of the victim.
“Hindi nila ginamot at check-up lang nila dahil gusto nila alas-sais pa bago nila ginamit. Ang sabi ko naman ay lumipat kami dito (Zamboanga City Medical Center) dahil malaki ang sugat, dapat lang maki-awa lang, m agalit po siya at hindi nila ginamot at hindi nila dinalaw at hindi nila, kahit kalat na kalat yan hindi nila pinakialaman yan at pinagalitan pa ako at naiyak-iyak na ako.”
“Sabi ko naman doon, ganoon pala kayo, maki-awa lang po (pero ang sagot nila) sabi ng hindi puwede at busy kami. Ano ba yan, walang kwenta sila, wala silang pinag-aralan at walang awa sa mga pobreng tulad namin,” the woman told radio station dxNO in Isabela City after they brought the boy’s body back home for burial.
The interview was also uploaded on the Facebook page of Ronde del Basilan.
Doctor Nida Tan, head of the Zamboanga City Medical Center, said all the allegations against them were untrue. “While we empathize with the family, we cannot accept the statement that the hospital has been remiss in its duty. We, the administration and staff of Zamboanga City Medical Center, have been working above and beyond our responsibilities to give medical care to indigent members of society.”
“We would like reiterate that health is a shared responsibility. While the health sector of the government provides medical care, parents and relatives must also take responsibility. While the health sector of the government provides medical care, parents and relatives must also take responsibility for health by ensuring the safety and security of their children,” she said.
Tan explained that the boy was already admitted in the hospital and being prepped for surgery, but due to the extensive nature of his injuries, he was not able to survive. There was massive trauma to the body.
She listed the following observation of the boy’s injuries: Soft tissue avulsion (muscle was torn off) of the right parieto- temporal area (head); Lacerated (jagged and torn soft tissue) wound on nasal bridge; Multiple puncture wounds on the right maxillary region (jaw); Avulsed wound, right outer ear; Contusion hematoma (black eye) right periorbital area; Puncture wounds, left arm; Avulsed and puncture wounds at right shoulder and suprascapular area (shoulder blade); Avulsed wounds, right arm lateral (side) aspect; Avulsed wound, right leg, lateral (side) aspect; Multiple crusting and non-bleeding lacerations and abrasions on the posterior (back) aspect on both thighs and Healed crusting abrasions with puncture wounds on right thigh, lateral (side) aspect.
She said the boy was endorsed to the Surgery Unit and oxygen was quickly administered and subsequently admitted to undergo emergency wound debridement. “The staff explained the procedure to the parents who verbalized their understanding and consent was subsequently obtained. The patient was stabilized and hydrated, while Anti-Tetanus Serum. Tetanus Toxoid, anti-rabies serum and immunoglobulin injections were given,” Tan said.
Tan further explained that intravenous pain medications, including paracetamol and ketorolac (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) were properly administered to the boy and so was other laboratory work and a pediatric risk assessment also conducted.
“Once this was done the chart of the patient was forwarded to the operating room for the anesthesia preoperative orders. While waiting for the surgery, as there were two other emergency cases ahead of him, an incarcerated hernia and an appendectomy, the child was constantly being checked on by the staff.”
“In fact the child was placed near the doctor’s table for frequent observation and easy access. At around 12:15 AM of June 18, the child became unresponsive and while resuscitation was initiated, the child succumbed to his injuries,” she said.
Tan expressed their sadness for death of the boy. “The Zamboanga City Medical Center would like to express their sincerest condolences to the Damsani Family in their hour of grief. No parent should ever have to bury their own child. Our hearts and minds are with you on this most difficult of times,” she said.
Mayor-elect Djalia Hataman said she received reports that more 300 people had been bitten by stray dogs in Isabela City. “The news of a child being the latest of more than 300 victims injured by stray dogs in the city is truly alarming,” she said, adding that during her recent visits and consultations in the villages, some sectors raised the problems caused by stray dogs and aside from attacks by the animals they also get into garbage which poses hazards to human health.
Because of these problems posed by stray dogs, Hataman said they will have to review Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act and responsibilities of a pet owner. “This latest incident strengthened our resolve to ensure strict and effective implementation of and compliance with aforementioned law. As mayor-elect, this incident calls our attention to the urgency of the issue,” she said.
The law provides for the mandate of the local government to protect the public from the nuisance and dangers of stray dogs while upholding animal rights. (The Zamboanga Post)
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