Capitol to probe death of mother, unborn child

The Cebu provincial government has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, exposing the urgent shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) in government hospitals.

- Jonnavie Villa/BRP

Airish Comaling, a resident of Argao, died along with her unborn child after allegedly being denied an emergency cesarean section (CS) at the Carcar Provincial Hospital (CPH).

The incident went viral following an emotional Facebook post by her brother-in-law, Ronald Robusto, also known as Kiking Blues.

Robusto claimed that they initially brought Comaling to the Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital in Argao where, due to complications in her pregnancy, she was referred to Carcar Provincial Hospital for a CS procedure.

At the time of their arrival in Carcar, he said Comaling’s husband pleaded for the procedure, but the request was allegedly denied by the attending medical team, citing that the cervix was only 3cm dilated --far from the required 10cm.

The family waited until morning and renewed their request for a CS, but this too was reportedly denied.

The baby was later declared dead in the womb, and Comaling was referred to Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City, where she also died.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the Capitol is taking the matter seriously.