Philippine Medical Organizations Unite in Support of Physicians, Condemn Social Media Attacks

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and several medical organizations have come together to express their full support for physicians providing life-saving care to Filipino patients with heart and vascular diseases. This move comes after a social media post by former journalist Ramon Tulfo accused a Philippine Heart Center surgeon of charging an excessive professional fee. The medical organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to championing the role of physicians in delivering quality care to patients nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has recognized the dedication and expertise of physicians caring for Filipino patients with heart and vascular diseases.
  • Several medical organizations, including the Philippine College of Physicians, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine College of Surgeons, and Philippine Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons, Inc., have condemned a social media post accusing a surgeon of charging an excessive professional fee.
  • The groups have urged disputes over medical care to be addressed through proper and respectful channels rather than public shaming, warning that such actions damage reputations, erode public trust, and undermine the patient-doctor relationship.
  • The PHA reaffirmed its commitment to championing the role of physicians in delivering quality and life-saving care to patients nationwide.
  • The groups stressed that the medical fee was actually lower than usual and that the patient was treated with compassion for over 20 days.
  • The medical organizations have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in support of physicians and in promoting quality medical care.

Statistics:

  • The total hospital bill for the patient was PHP110,000, including the PHP85,000 professional fee.
  • The patient was treated at the Philippine Heart Center for over 20 days.
  • The medical fee of PHP85,000 was lower than the usual professional fee for the procedure.

Sources:

  • Philippine News agency, August 11, 2023 ( augmentation of dates and reference code was eliminated to preserve layout format. Actual matching reference is dated August 11, 2025).