VMMC vows Sara's aide Zuleika Lopez to receive 'highest quality' healthcare

The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City assured Monday that it is continuously monitoring the health condition of Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, who has been confined in the hospital since Saturday.

VMMC spokesperson Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, however, declined from disclosing the diagnosis of Lopez due to patient confidentiality and data privacy protocols.

"Siya ay nakakausap, which is very good kasi ito ay nakakatulong para sa medical team, the group of doctors who are taking good care of her, para makakuha ng sapat na background and information para siya ay makakuha ng the best quality of healthcare," Rifareal said in an Unang Balita interview. 

(She can talk, which is very good because it helps the medical team, the group of doctors who are taking good care of her, to get enough background and information so that she can get the best quality of healthcare.)

When Lopez was transferred to the VMMC, Rifareal said a team of medical professionals initiated a thorough assessment of her health.

Routine diagnostic tests and imaging procedures are also currently being conducted to ensure an accurate evaluation of Lopez' condition, she added.

"VMMC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered care to all individuals under its care and we assure the public that Atty. Lopez is receiving the highest quality medical attention as we provide our veterans and retirees," the doctor said.

"Her condition will be closely monitored and updates will be shared as necessary in accordance to patient confidentiality and privacy protocols.”

It could be recalled that Lopez was brought to the hospital after she fell ill following the House of Representatives’ order to transfer her to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).

She was placed in the House detention facility after she was cited in contempt on Wednesday for her supposed "undue interference" in a panel's investigation into the budget use and confidential funds of the OVP and the Department of Education during Duterte's stint as secretary.

Lopez back then said she has no knowledge of how the OVP utilizes, disburses, nor liquidates its confidential funds.

Furthermore, Rifareal said it is the OVP that could best answer if Lopez will attend the ongoing hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability.

Duterte on Sunday said she has no idea whether or not Lopez will be attending the next House panel hearing. — VDV, GMA Integrated News