The Cebu Provincial Government has temporarily placed Carcar Provincial Hospital (CPH) under new supervision following incidents that drew public attention, including the death of a teenage accident victim.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro assigned Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Josephine Arsenal to oversee hospital operations while an official review of procedures and patient care is conducted.
As part of the adjustment, CPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Prudencio Manubag has been reassigned to the PHO.
The leadership change comes after the case of a 15-year-old boy, publicly referred to as “Jikoy,” sparked online and community concern.
According to hospital records, the teen was brought to CPH around 2:30 a.m. after a road accident.
Emergency staff assessed him immediately, and within 30 minutes determined he required more advanced care than CPH could provide.
At 2:59 a.m., medical personnel initiated a referral to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City through the Department of Health’s e-referral system.
His father consented to intubation while preparations for transfer continued.
Follow-up calls to the receiving hospital occurred between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., during which the patient was manually ventilated after becoming unresponsive.
Later, the family requested transfer to Chong Hua Hospital, a private facility, but the ICU was full.
The patient was eventually admitted to VSMMC at 10:38 a.m.
The teen’s sister alleged delays in care, claiming his injuries were not properly treated and transfer should have been faster.
Health officials explained that the e-referral system ensures hospitals coordinate in real time to identify facilities capable of admitting patients, while avoiding congestion at tertiary centers.
Baricuatro called for fairness toward medical personnel, noting they often work under pressure with limited resources.
She said the province is working to strengthen district hospitals so critically injured patients can receive higher-level care closer to home.
“I appeal to everyone to be compassionate toward our healthcare workers—they are doing their best,” she said. (SBA)
