DOH probing death of doctor allegedly due to patient’s dishonesty

The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating reports that a doctor recently died after a patient lied about their medical condition and history of travel or exposure in relation to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a health official said Sunday.

At a virtual press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire called on the public to disclose all their information to healthcare workers.

“Iniimbestigahan na po ng DOH ang ulat na iyan. Inaanyayahan natin ang lahat ng kababayan natin na please, disclose all your information to our healthcare workers… dahil sila po ay mataas ang tsansa na mahawa kung hindi po kayo magsasabi ng totoo,” she said.

Earlier on Sunday, the Philippine Heart Association announced that a young cardiologist had died in the fight against COVID-19.

In her opening statement during the briefing, Vergeire underscored the need for patients to be forthright with healthcare workers.

“‘Wag na po nating ilihim ang ating mga aktibidad, lalong lalo na po ang mga biyahe at exposure sa COVID-19-positive patient. Ang inyo pong tapat na sagot ay makakapagligtas ng buhay,” she said.

COVID-19 has so far claimed 25 lives and infected 380 people in the Philippines as of Sunday afternoon.  — DVM, GMA News