Families of kids with special needs bemoan COVID-19 protocols

Families of children with special needs lamented that because of coronavirus disease 2019 protocols in hospitals, their kids were treated as COVID-19 suspects for exhibiting symptoms instead of being given the immediate treatment they need based on their medical history.

According to Shai Lagarde's report on "Stand for Truth," seven-month-old Lyanna was born with impaired lungs and suffered from pulmonary infection.

When Lyanna displayed difficulty in breathing, her parents Jill and Joseph Pilarca rushed her to the Davao Doctors Hospital where she was found with pneumonia and was then tagged as a person under investigation.

Due to this, Lyanna has to be transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, a COVID-19 designated hospital in the province.

"Doc, you know Lyanna. She's been going here for months. Alam na alam ninyo anong cause ng pneumonia niya. You know how disinfected we are at home," Jill said.

Though she pleaded with health authorities for her daughter not to be transferred, she was told that it was out of the doctors' hands.

"We went there April 21, 9 a.m., we were transferred to SPMC [on] April 22, 4 a.m. Crucial 'yung 15 hours na 'yun because she was not hooked to a proper ventilator," Jill said.

According to Jill, Lyanna's case was not properly endorsed to the SPMC.

"Referrals were given to us, COVID-suspect. Nine o'clock, mommy we just want to inform you that your baby had cardiac arrest... kaninang 5 a.m," Jill said.

"I really prayed. Baby hold on. By tomorrow I know your test will become negative and I will pull you out right away," she later added.

 Lyanna suffered another cardiac arrest before the result came out, causing her death.

Watch the video to know more. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News