The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the case of a woman who died last Friday after being rejected for treatment by six hospitals.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, during a virtual press conference,  said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured that the DOJ will look into the death of Catherine Bulatao.

“Ikukulong po natin lahat na mga doktor, lahat ng may-ari ng ospital na naging dahilan po kaya  namatay itong pasyenteng ito,” Roque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has warned hospitals that they would face charges if they refuse to accept patients, including those carrying the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Bulatao successfully gave birth at their home in Caloocan City but needed a medical procedure due to a complication.

The midwife who assisted in the birth recommended that she should be immediately brought to a hospital to remove the placenta from her uterus.

Bulatao also reportedly lost a lot of blood.

Bulatao was brought to the North Caloocan Doctors Hospital, Far Eastern University Hospital in Quezon City, Bermudez Hospital, Skyline Hospital,  Grace Hospital and San Jose del Monte General Hospital in Bulacan for medical treatment.

However, the six hospitals refused giving her treatment.

The family said they were even asked by the FEU Hospital to give a downpayment of P30,000 for the operation.

The Bulatao family said they were set to file a complaint against all the hospitals which turned them away.

The Strengthened Anti-Hospital Deposit Law (Republic Act 10932), provides for stricter penalties on hospitals that demand any deposit or other forms of advance payment as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of an emergency patient.

This includes four to six years’ imprisonment and fine of up to P1 million./Stacy Ang