By News5 Digital
(May 10, 2024) – Two new victims of an alleged “palit-ulo” scam in a hospital in Valenzuela came forward on Friday, reinforcing previous claims that patients who were unable to pay their medical bills were forcibly detained.
Nerriza Zafra shared her story from 2017 when her newborn was placed in the intensive care unit of Allie Care Experts Medical Center (ACEMC) due to premature birth. Her hospital bills quickly ballooned to half a million pesos. Unable to pay, Zafra said ACEMC detained her baby.
“Bangungot ‘yung ginawa nila. Nagmamakaawa ako sa administrator na bigyan ako ng promissory note kasi walang wala na kami,” said Zafra, adding that the hospital even suggested she work as a janitress to clear her medical bills.
Cheryluv Ignacio was hospitalized at ACEMC in 2021 after contracting COVID-19. Her medical expenses reached P275,000 after a 19-day stay.
“‘Yung binigay na ‘yung bill ko, doon nila sinabi sa akin na maxed out na ‘yung (credit) card ko,” said Ignacio. “Sabi ko puwede bang mag-request ng promissory note. Ang sabi hindi raw allowed ‘yun.”
Last month, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee sought an inquiry into ACEMC for its alleged illicit schemes. It stemmed from a complaint from the family of a patient who was forcibly held until another person took his place or until his hospital dues were settled.
Last Wednesday, two officials of ACEMC were arrested over a charge of grave coercion. They posted bail of P18,000. Another suspect, a security guard, is still being tracked by authorities.
Wilfred Rivera, an administrative officer of ACEMC, denied the accusations.
“‘Yung industrial office sinasabing detention daw pero walang katutuhanan ‘yun. Kapag ang pasyente namatay o magsasabi ng promissory note, siyempre magkakaroon kami ng negotiation kung paano nila mase-settle ang balanse,” said Rivera.
An Anti-Hospital Detention Ordinance was passed in Valenzuela to prohibit hospitals from detaining patients unable to pay their medical bills. It also bans withholding death or birth certificates due to unpaid balances. Sanctions include a fine of P200,000 to P400,000 and possible suspension of operations.
Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian said he has no jurisdiction over the case since it should be handled by the Department of Health. But he assured that he’s already coordinating with health officials to look into the matter.
(With reports from Elaine Fulgencio, News5)
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