Duque to health personnel: Treat patients with malasakit

DAGUPAN CITY — More than giving quality health care through modern facilities, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told doctors, nurses and other health providers that they must treat their patients with “malasakit.”

Duque, who was here for the inauguration yesterday of the training and eye center five-story building of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), said while the government is giving physical transformation of its health facilities “but at the end of the day, this really is not much if you treat patients with indifference.”

He told them to respect their patients and to understand the sufferings they go through, adding he understands that people working in hospitals are overstretched, but he also underscored the way they must deal with their patients.

Malasakit is something unique to the Philippines. It is more than concern, adding it is more compelling.

Having malasakit has emotional impact upon people “and that to me is a very good sign of a healthcare,”he said.

He urged them to level up by not simply being contented with making their patients satisfied with their services but there should be patient endearment.

He said the patients must experience something that’s unforgettable in a positive way.

He added that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers must observe correct bedside manners, not harshness or peevishness.

Although the trend in technology has resulted in having modern machines and equipment, Duque said the human touch of treating patients must not be lost.’

Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez were among officials who graced the inauguration.