The president of the Philippine Pediatric Society died of COVID-19, becoming the ninth doctor who fell from the pandemic disease.
Comedian-actress Ruby Rodriguez announced in her Facebook account that her sister Dr. Salvacion Rodriguez-Gatchalian died 6am this morning.’
Gatchalian was an attending pediatrician in Philippine General Hospital, active consultant of Manila Doctor’s Hospital, The Medical City, Asian Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City. Her sub-specialization is on pediatric infectious disease.
The Eat Bulaga host’s Facebook post is private but news agencies in Manila have reported. Entertainment portal PEP published a screenshot of her post which reads:
“Official Statement: As of 6 am my sister Dr. Sally Gatchalian who fought really hard, Has Joined our Lord God and creator.
“We her family Thank you all sincerely for Praying with us.
“Stay Safe and keep on praying.”
Rodriguez posted a photo of her family together with her “Manang Sally” during their Christmas 2019 get-together, rare times she noted that their family is complete.
“We will only remember you with Happy memories, laughing and sleeping, your johnson outfits and all, how u love bling bling, your Kuaff hair everday, your Kdrama addiction ( u got me hooked up too) i will make u kwento what i have seen last, our sunday lunches, our “bonding trips” that you and I only do( other siblings kasi nasa US) lots of happy and fond memories! I love you so much my big sister❤️❤️❤️ smile say hi to Mom Dad and manong robert. Be at peace do not worry about us anymore. Have fun in heaven! Love you so much!!!”
Dr. Dennis de Guzman, Philippine Medical Association former assistant secretary general, told dzbb that Gatchalian is the ninth hero from the medical battlefield in this fight against COVID-19:
-Dr. Israel Bactol, cardiologist, Philippine Heart Center
-Dr. Rose Pulido, oncologist, San Juan de Dios Hospital
-Dr. Gregorio Macasaet III, anesthesiologist, Manila Doctors Hospital
-Dr. Raul Hara, cardiologist, Philippine Heart Center
-Dr. Henry Fernandez of Pangasinan Medical Society
-Dr, Marcelo Jaochico of Pampanga Provincial Health Officer
-Dr. Raquel Seva, obstetrician-gynecologist Evangelista Specialty Hospital in San Pedro Laguna
-Dr. Hector Alvarez of Novaliches District Hospital and
-Dr. Sally Gatchalian, President of the Philippine Pediatric Society
