[APWSLMembers 243] Ka Bel undergoing much-needed medical tests at Heart Center

[Kilusang Mayo Uno]

from Anakpawis Party List

NEWS RELEASE
March 26, 2006

Ka Bel undergoing much-needed medical tests at Heart Center

Much-needed medical examinations for Anakpawis Congressman Crispin 
Beltran have started since his admission at Room 427 of the 
Philippine Heart Center (PHC) yesterday afternoon.

Upon arrival at the PHC yesterday, Beltran underwent a 2D Echo 
Doppler examination, which evaluates the size, thickness and movement 
of heart structures, such as chambers and valves. Today, Beltran 
underwent a Carotid Doppler examination and a Blood Chemistry examination.

Doppler is a special ultrasound examination that assesses a patient's 
blood flow. The results of the first three examinations are expected 
to be released to Beltran's family soon, said his daughter Olivia Lalusis.

Beltran will also be undergoing other medical and laboratory tests 
under the direct supervision of Philippine Heart Center cardiologist 
Dr. Roberto Raymundo: Complete Blood Count, Urinalysis, 
Electrocardiography, Chest X-ray, Carotid Duplex Scan, and Possible 
Stress Thallium. Beltran will also be undergoing intensive treatment 
for hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

This is Beltran's second time to be confined at the PHC. In 2003, he 
was confined for a week at the hospital for chest pains related to 
angina, a heart ailment. Beltran also suffered from a mild stroke in 
June 2005. He was confined for a week at the Far Eastern University 
Hospital and was discharged with home medications.

A Medical Report issued early this April by Health Action for Human 
Right (HAHR) physicians Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Reginaldo L. Pamugas , 
and Melani Hernandez-Sionzon disclosed that Beltran was suffering 
from many health ailments such as hypercholesterolemia, gouty 
arthritis, nutritional anemia, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and 
hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

Beltran's doctor disappointed over PNP delay in transfer

Meanwhile, one of Beltran's personal doctors, Dr. Reginaldo Pamugas 
from the Health Action for Human Rights (HAHR) expressed 
disappointment over Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson 
Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao's statement yesterday saying 
that the delay in Ka Bel's transfer to the PHC from Camp Crame was 
because Beltran's physicians were not readily available for 
consultation and because other procedural processes has to be followed.

"That accusation is incorrect. The delay was on the part of the PNP 
leadership, it seems. From Day One since we evaluated Cong. Beltran's 
health condition, we have recommended his immediate transfer to the 
PHC. Beltran's doctor also talked to the PNP on the day the 
implementing order was released by the Makati Regional Trial Court 
(MRTC), so there was no reason to delay Cong. Beltran's transfer for 
nearly 24 hours after the receipt of the order. I hope SSupt. 
Pagdilao gets his facts right and looks at their own culpability and 
delaying tactics first, instead of issuing such irresponsible 
statements," Pamugas said. #