“Haan maleksiyunan dagita, nu awan mangidarom!” — BM Dangani urges patients excperiencing maltreatment from hospital staff to file complaint

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Health workers accused of mistreating patients should not be allowed to escape accountability, but complaints must first be formally filed so they can be properly investigated, Board Member Alfredo K. Dangani said Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Dangani made the statement after a complaint involving the alleged maltreatment of a laboring mother at a hospital in Kalinga was raised during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on September 8, presided over by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem.

The complaint was reportedly raised by the mother-in-law of the patient, who is from Pinukpuk, concerning the alleged treatment of her daughter-in-law from Lubuagan while she was in labor.

“Haan nga maleksyunan dagita nu haan maidarom”

Dangani, who chairs the provincial board’s Committee on Health and Sanitation, urged patients and their families who have experienced similar incidents to formally report them to the proper authorities.

“Haan nga maleksyunan dagita nu haan tayo idarom isuda,” Dangani said, emphasizing that complaints should not simply be ignored because no formal complaint has been filed.

He said social media posts may bring concerns to public attention, but a formal complaint is necessary for authorities to investigate, hear the parties involved and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

Dangani said he had previously confronted some health workers after seeing complaints from Kalinga residents on Facebook.

He stressed that improving healthcare should not be limited to building better facilities and acquiring equipment, but should also include improving how patients are treated.

“Haan tayo masapol ti napintas nga facilidad nu ti ugali tayo, karo dagitoy daduma nga nurses, ket madi. Didjay ti improve tayo,” Dangani said.

He added that good hospital facilities would mean little if patients do not receive proper and respectful treatment from healthcare workers.

“Mabalin masuspende, maekkat lisensya da”

Dangani said formal complaints are important because health workers found responsible for misconduct may face disciplinary sanctions under existing laws and professional regulations.

He cited the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which provides grounds for disciplinary action against nurses for acts such as unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, negligence and violations of professional standards.

“So maidarom da koma, in accordance with the law, mabalin masuspende dagita, maekkat lisensya da,” Dangani said.

He emphasized, however, that allegations must be properly investigated and that those accused must also be given the opportunity to answer the complaints.

Dangani urges others to come forward

Dangani also encouraged other patients or families who may have experienced similar treatment to come forward and formally raise their concerns.

He said the latest complaint will be brought before a committee hearing, where the concerned parties will be invited to explain their respective sides.

As committee chair, Dangani said the hearing will allow the provincial board to examine the allegations, hear the complainants and respondents, and determine what appropriate action may be taken.

He said a maximum of five complainants may attend the scheduled committee hearing at the Legislative Building in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

For Dangani, filing a formal complaint is not only about seeking accountability. It also gives authorities an opportunity to determine the truth, protect patients and ensure that healthcare workers are held responsible when warranted—while safeguarding their right to due process.