'Rude treatment' complaints hound Cauayan District Hospital; Isabela SP launches probe

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Isabela has launched an investigation into more than 20 complaints filed against several health workers of the Cauayan District Hospital (CDH), with most allegations involving the reported improper treatment of patients.

The complaints were tackled during a committee hearing on August 6, attended by doctors, department heads, hospital personnel, and officials of the Provincial Health Office, who were asked to respond to the allegations and explain the issues raised against the hospital.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan, Vice Governor Francis Faustino "Kiko" Dy said the provincial board is also looking into complaints involving the alleged delay in providing medical attention to patients, as well as concerns over the diagnosis of certain cases.

During the hearing, some health workers reportedly admitted that extended duty hours and shifting schedules—sometimes lasting up to 24 hours—have resulted in extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation, which they said may have affected their interactions with patients.

However, Dy stressed that exhaustion should never be used as a justification for discourteous or unprofessional behavior toward patients seeking medical care.

The vice governor also disclosed that one hospital employee had previously been placed under preventive suspension in connection with complaints received by hospital management, although he did not specify when the suspension was imposed. He added that other personnel involved have already been summoned by hospital officials as part of efforts to address the reported concerns.

According to Dy, the August 6 hearing was only the first stage of the investigation. The committee is set to reconvene on August 10 to further examine the complaints and determine the appropriate actions.

The latest inquiry follows an earlier committee hearing conducted by the Cauayan City Government on February 19, 2026, after residents raised concerns over the hospital's services. At the time, city officials cited recurring complaints involving the alleged discourteous behavior of some hospital employees, the reported absence of doctors during duty hours, and the referral of emergency patients to hospitals farther from the city.

As of this writing, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has yet to issue its findings as the investigation remains ongoing.