'Dedicated doctor': Hospitals mourn passing of anesthesiologist

MANILA - Hospitals in Cavite and Las Pinas City have paid tribute to an anesthesiologist who recently passed away.

Binakayan Hospital and Medical Center and Perpetual Help Medical Center announced the death of Dr. David Jonathan Pagaduan, who was described as a "loving and supportive husband and father, jolly and caring friend and colleague, and dedicated doctor."

Both hospitals did not mention the cause of death. Various personal social media posts however claimed Pagaduan was a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) frontliner.

"You have left a big vacuum in all of us. You will be sorely missed," the Binakayan Hospital and Medical Center said in a Facebook post.

Perpetual Hospital meanwhile said Pagaduan was a fallen hero.

"Salute to our fallen hero, Dr. David Jonathan Pagaduan. From your Perpetual Help Medical Center - Las Piñas Family, thank you very much for your commitment and service to our community," it said in a video posted on its Facebook page.

Last week, the Department of Health said over 1,000 health workers have been infected with the novel coronavirus.

Of this number 422 are doctors, 386 are nurses, 30 are medical technologists, 21 are radiologic technologists, 51 are nursing assistants and 152 are other employees of health facilities and barangay health workers.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 26 health workers, including 19 doctors, have died.