Medical Associations Condemn Viral Post Accusing Surgeon of Charging Exorbitant Fees

Strategic Insights -

Health advocates and medical associations in the Philippines have spoken out against a viral Facebook post that accused a surgeon of charging a poor patient exorbitant fees. The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) released a statement on Sunday, August 10, saying that the surgeon's professional fee was actually lower than what was claimed and that the physicians involved had agreed to pay with a guarantee letter. The statement was supported by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), which expressed its support for the surgeon and all medical professionals who dedicate their lives to patient care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PMA found that the surgeon's professional fee was actually lower than what was claimed, at P45,000, compared to the P85,000 claimed by the patient's son.
  • The PCP expressed its support for the surgeon and all medical professionals, saying that viral posts similar to the one in question are "irresponsible" and erode public trust in the medical profession.
  • The PCP noted that unfair and damaging posts targeting doctors and nurses fail to consider the working conditions faced by the healthcare industry.
  • The patient in question received roughly P350,000 in financial assistance from various sources, despite still having to pay P139,000.
  • The patient's son has stated that no operation was performed and that only wound cleaning was done.
  • The PMA and PCP urged the public to exercise discernment and verify the facts before judging medical professionals based on social media posts.

Statistics:

  • P45,000: the actual professional fee charged by the surgeon.
  • P85,000: the fee claimed by the patient's son.
  • P139,000: the amount the patient still has to pay despite receiving financial assistance from various sources.
  • P350,000: the total amount of financial assistance the patient received from various sources, including the Malasakit Center, a guarantee letter from the patient's brother, and an unnamed government official.

Sources:

  • Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
  • Philippine College of Physicians (PCP)
  • Department of Health (DOH)
  • Philippine Heart Center (PHC)
  • Facebook post by Ramon Tulfo
  • dzMM interview with Ramon Tulfo