Government hospital chief dismissed for patient’s death

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – The director of the Diffun District Hospital in Quirino has been dismissed from the service after he was found guilty of grave misconduct and gross negligence over the death of a seven-year-old patient in 2006.

Nenita de Vera, grandmother of Reynalin Reniedo, filed the complaint.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said Moises Lazaro did not allow the use of the hospital ambulance and approved the removal of Reniedo’s breathing apparatus when she was transferred to the Quirino Provincial Hospital.

Nurses Rosemarie Binuag and Gloria Gaffud were suspended for one year without pay.

Lazaro said he would not leave his post because the CSC ruling signed by regional director Niles Agustin is not yet final. Lazaro said he would file a motion for reconsideration.

He denied he was remiss in his duties, saying they exerted all efforts to save the patient.