Many doctors not affiliated with the Philippine Medical Association are licensed doctors who practice in the remote areas, which hamper their ability to undergo further training in medical specialties because they are isolated in the remote communities they serve.
Rep. Alexie Besas Tutor (Bohol, 3rd District) is thus asking the Commission on Higher Education to help the committee on civil service and professional regulation negotiate a consensus solution to the impasse in updating the 1959 law that governs physicians nationwide.
In a statement, Tutor said she hopes that the current impasse on the proposed new professional regulation law for doctors will be resolved in the coming weeks before Congress resumes session after the summer break.
It was noted during yesterday’s hearing of the House committee on civil service and professional regulation that many of the 20 percent who are not members of the Philippine Medical Association are PRC-licensed doctors who practice their profession in remote areas—a situation that hampers their ability to undergo further training in medical specialties because they are immersed in the isolated communities they serve.
I would like to ask the Commission on Higher Education to help the Committee negotiate a consensus solution to the impasse because some of the schools they regulate have access to the remote areas where the countryside doctors are.
The CHED would probably be in an excellent position to talk with all parties who are not yet fully convinced of the urgent necessity to update the old 1959 law that governs physicians nationwide.
Physicians who are current and former participants in the Doctors to the Barrios program can also participate in the negotiations. Other stakeholders who can participate include municipal and provincial health officers and doctors in rural health units, district hospitals, and provincial hospitals.
If these negotiations can lead to the formation of an organization that can represent the interests of many of the 20% unaffiliated doctors, that could help us also make some forward strides to enabling better access for them.
I am on the side of the Filipino people who deserve licensed doctors who are updated on the latest medical knowledge and practice and enabled to serve their patients, especially those in the rural areas who are the constituents of many Members of Congress.
I hope all stakeholders of our health sector realize that we all serve the people, most especially those who cannot care for themselves. For their sake and the future of our country, we need a new law governing the professional practice, education, and training of physicians. The old 1959 urgently needs replacement. We must reach common ground.
Tags: #PRC, #CHED, #PMA, #grassrootsdoctors