Mission doctors’ complaints heard

HEALTH Secretary Enrique Ona has assured US-based Filipino doctors the Philippine government is addressing their concerns, particularly about the guidelines on foreign medical missions to the country.

The US-based doctors had complained of the “strict and unreasonable” guidelines set by the Philippine Regulatory Commission and the “excessive” customs duties slapped on hospi- tal equipment donated from abroad.

Ona met recently with representatives from the Office of the Vice President, the Philippine Medical Association of Southern California, and tourism stakeholders led by Robert Lim Joseph, chair of Tourism Educators and Movers Philippines (TEAM Philippines) and the Network of Independent Travel Agencies.

Ona said that back in October, he was made aware of the concerns of the doctors, like “burdensome” paperwork, exorbitant temporary medical license fees and the need for malpractice insurance.

Ona said the Department of Health, in coordination with the PRC and Bureau of Customs, set up a one-stop shop under the DOH’s Bureau of International Health Services to handle all documentation.

“With the one-stop shop, there will be no more need to communicate with the PRC, BOC or the medical associations for documentary requirements,” he said.

The malpractice insurance and temporary medical license fee requirements have been suspended following the objection of the doctors, he said.

For his part, Joseph welcomed the “unselfish and patriotic acts of Filipino doctors who give of their time and efforts and their personal funds to come to the Philippines and give free medical care to suffering Filipinos.”

The doctors were led by Dr. Eustaquio Abay II, president, UST Medical Alumni Association in America; Dr. Licerio Castro Jr., president, FEU Medical Alumni Association of Southern California; Dr. Edgar Banez, chair, Philippine Medical Association of Southern California; Dr. Teri Pastor, president, UERM Medical Alumni Association of Southern California, and Dr. Noli and Nena Zosa.