A doctor with a deep dedication to work was no longer fortunate enough to survive his second fight with COVID-19 this March. And even as a doctor, he also had a hard time finding a hospital to take him to.
In a report by Oscar Oida on GMA News “24 Oras” on Friday, it was said that anesthesiologist Dr. Ronald Torres Victorio passed away at the age of 55.
He was first hit by COVID-19 in August 2020 and tested positive for the virus again last March.
According to Dr. Hermie Maglaya, apart from the fact that the hospital had a hard time finding Victorio, it was too late to discover that their friend had been hit by the virus again.
“Nagpunta kami sa iba’t ibang hospital. Actually pang pito po ang East Avenue sa napuntahang ospital ni doc [Victorio]. Kasi sa ibang mga ospital po hanggang parking lot lang po si doc,” said Maglaya.
According to the Department of Health, 2,752 doctors in the country have tested positive for COVID-19, and 33 of them have lost their lives.
“Very sad kasi once na, it’s not an assurance when you’re a doctor, you can be assured to get an admission right away,” said Maglaya.
Doctor dies after 2nd battle vs COVID-19; had difficulty finding hospital
“Siguro kung hindi po kasagsagan ng COVID ngayon and mas maaga pong napa-admit si doc, at na-address po ‘yung mga sakit po niya,” he said.
According to Maglaya, since COVID-19 hit Victorio last year, his body has become weak.
“After namin mag COVID, sabi niya hindi pa niya kayang mag- exercise ulit kasi mula matapos siyang mag-unang COVID, madali na siyang hingalin,” said Maglaya.
Victorio’s relative reminded the public to follow health protocols.
“Hindi lang naman siya ‘yung nagsa-sacrifice marami. Marami, lalo na ‘yung mga frontliner natin na iniiwan ‘yung mga pamilya nila para matulungan ‘yung iba,” said Katrina Garcia, niece of Victorio.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is almost 1 million.
The Department of Health (DOH) this Sunday recorded 8,162 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 997,523.
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