Dr. Eduardo Aquino v. Heirs of · G.R. 158461

Petitioner: Dr. Eduardo Aquino
Respondent: Heirs of Raymunda Calayag; Dr. Alberto C. Reyes Vs. Heirs of Raymunda Calayag; Dr. Divinia Unite Vs. Heirs of Raymunda Calayag
Citation: G.R. No. 158461
Court: Supreme Court
Division: Third Division
Ponente: Abad, J.
Decided: August 22, 2012

Summary

This consolidated case involves medical malpractice claims against three doctors arising from a fatal caesarean section. On November 13, 1990, Raymunda Calayag underwent caesarean delivery at Sacred Heart Hospital, where Dr. Divinia Unite performed surgery and Dr. Eduardo Aquino administered anesthesia. During the procedure, Raymunda suffered cardio-respiratory arrest due to anesthetic accident from high spinal anesthesia, leading to brain damage and eventual death. The Supreme Court found Dr. Unite and Dr. Aquino liable for negligence, noting that Dr. Aquino administered improper anesthesia and both doctors failed to adequately monitor the patient's vital signs during the critical period. The hospital owner Dr. Reyes was absolved of liability as no employer-employee relationship existed. The case establishes important precedents on medical malpractice liability, requiring proof of duty, breach, injury, and proximate causation.

Statutes applied

Civil Code, Art. 2206

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By the Intellegal Editorial Board · August 22, 2012

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