A grieving mother is calling for accountability from Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) after the death of her 9-month-old baby, claiming hospital staff failed to provide urgent care despite repeated pleas.
Maricel Igang, a resident of Bohol, took to social media to share her experience, expressing heartbreak over what she described as the hospital’s delayed response to her child’s worsening condition.
Igang first brought her child to a provincial hospital on March 3, 2025, after the baby developed fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The child was prescribed medication and advised to undergo laboratory tests.
However, the infant’s condition worsened, prompting the family to rush back to GCGMMC the following day.
“Pag-abot sa hospital, nihangyo ko nga ipa-admit akong anak kay galuya na kini, pero giingnan lang ko nga, ‘Wala man nagluya ning bata, ma’am,'” Igang recalled.
Hospital staff instead gave the baby oral rehydration salts (Orisol) and prescribed additional medication.
Despite following medical advice, the infant continued to deteriorate.
On March 5, 2025, at 10 p.m., the family returned to the hospital as the baby became increasingly weak.
Igang said her child was struggling and showing signs of distress.
“Pag-abot namo, nagsulirap na ang mata sa akong anak, puti nalang makita, pero ang tubag sa doctor, ‘Katulogon ra na siya, ma’am,’” she said.
Igang alleged that doctors only took urgent action after the baby began vomiting blood.
Hospital staff attempted to insert an IV line but reportedly failed to find a suitable vein.
They later performed a procedure on the infant’s leg to insert dextrose, but the baby’s condition continued to worsen.
“Abi nakog okay na ang tanan human sa paghiwa sa iyang tiil, pero gihuso na nila ang tubo sa iyang baba. Dayon, ilang gihikap ang dughan sa akong anak—wala na diay kini heartbeat,” she wrote.
The baby was declared dead after multiple resuscitation attempts.
Igang believes her child could have been saved had the hospital admitted and treated the infant earlier.
GALLARES HOSPITAL REACTS
GCGMMC released a public statement expressing condolences to the grieving family and assuring a thorough investigation into the incident.
“The death of any child is a tragedy, and we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation,” the statement read.
“We understand the public’s need for answers, and we want to assure everyone that we will release the findings of our investigation in a timely and appropriate manner.”
The hospital reiterated its commitment to high-quality and compassionate care, pledging to review all medical procedures related to the case.
Meanwhile, Igang continues to mourn her child’s passing.
“Nahugno akong kinabuhi dungan sa pagkawala sa akong anak,” she wrote.