Healthcare facilities in the Philippines are all hands on deck in the battle against the novel coronavirus. But what happens when a poor mother under labor walks to a hospital because of lack of mass transport, on top of fears she might be rejected for overcapacity?
Reports of hospital rejections of mothers throughout the outbreak have emerged, one of which is the story of Katherine Bulatao.
In April, Katherine suffered from complications after giving birth at home – a choice she made because she was afraid of contracting the coronavirus. She was reportedly refused treatment by 6 facilities for different reasons – ranging from the lack of adequate medical facilities and health care workers, to the inability of Katherine to make an advance payment.
By the time Katherine’s family found a facility willing to accept her, Katherine had already bled to death.
