Physicians groups express solidarity with colleagues

CEBU, Philippines —  Amid the issue raised by the Garcia family against one private hospital and doctors, two medical groups have expressed unity and support to all frontliners especially to their colleagues whom they claimed to have been subjected to humiliation.

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Philippine College of Physicians in Central Visayas made separate statements of solidarity on Facebook, albeit without naming personalities, whom they said have been subject to “public slander, humiliation and intimidation”.

PCCP said they have “been deeply disturbed by the recent events” that have challenged their roles as physicians in the forefront of the pandemic.

“We have cared for so many and have done our absolute best, to provide good quality care, notwithstanding the challenges and risks. Despite our best efforts, we cannot save all, and we grieve immensely with the families of those who lost their lives,” portion of PCCP’s statement read.

It said that with no known cure or vaccine yet for COVID-19, the past six month has indeed been very “grueling” for them.

“We are in solidarity with the frontliners and give our total and unconditional support to our esteemed colleagues in the field of pulmonary medicine and infectious diseases against public slander, humiliation and intimidation. We strongly advocate professionalism and welcome dialogue. We will continue to stand by our sworn principles of integrity, ethical practice and morality. Despite all the difficulties, we the members of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians-Central Visayas Chapter, remain resolute in our mission to fight this pandemic and serve our fellowmen,” read the PCCP’s statement.

The PCP-Cental Visayas also expressed support to their colleagues who are in the forefront of this pandemic.

“In time of chaos and uncertainty, there have been multiple challenges concerning the medical field and our profession has been repetitively summoned. We the officers and members of the Philippine College of Physicians-Central Visayas Chapter continuously support all of our colleagues who are in the forefront of this pandemic,” the PCP’s statement read.

PCP-CV pledged to remain steadfast in their oath as physicians “to provide the best evidence-based patient care with morality and compassion under the guidance of the Almighty”.

“We continue to be united and strong together for the benefit of our beloved patients” said PCP-CV’s statement signed by its president, Dr. Karen Caudor.

PCP-CV also gave due recognition to the competence of two unnamed members in their expertise and have been given high respect and unconditional support.

While expressing support to their colleague, PCP-CV though has also empathized with all the families who have lost their loved ones to COVID-19.

“Still, despite the best medical care, COVID-19 remains elusive, but we remain committed in our efforts to combat this disease,” added the PCP statement. — GMR (FREEMAN)