A resolution urging Bacolod City Health Officer Dr. Salome Biñas through the Office of the Mayor to take preventive measures against measles or “tigdas” in Bacolod, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.

Authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, the resolution said measles is a seasonal and viral disease that usually occurs in summer which if not properly prevented or timely medicated will result to the death of the victim.

It said that based on TV reports measles has alarmed the public because it has already affected more than 700 people in the Northern Luzon province, most of them young and this has resulted to the death of three children.

The SP also passed another resolution requesting the CHO through the Office of the Mayor, to remind all hospitals and medical clinics operating in Bacolod City of Republic Act No.9439.

R.A. 9439 is an “Act prohibiting the detention of patients in hospitals and medical clinics on the ground of non-payment of hospital bills or medical expenses.”

Authored by Councilor Catalino Alisbo, the resolution said Bacolod is host to many private hospitals and medical clinics that were issued Mayor’s Permit to operate in the city.

It said their business permits may be suspended or revoked by the city in case of violation of R.A. 9439, which provides that “it is unlawful for any hospital or medical clinic in the country to detain patients who have fully or partially recovered, or may have died, for reasons of non-payment in part or in full of hospital bills or medical expenses.”

The resolution requests the CHO to monitor private hospitals and medical clinics who may have violated R.A. 9439 and to provide appropriate sanctions on them.*CGS

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