Review of RP medical act sought

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. is seeking to review and update Republic Act 2382 or the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 which has become passé, especially with the sex video scandal involving celebrity cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho Jr. and actress Katrina Halili.

Villar filed Resolution 1115 to look into RA 2382 as some medical practitioners admitted that it had already become obsolete due to the evolving needs and concerns on medical care as well as innovations in the practice of the profession itself.

He said that during the 13th Congress, Senate Bill 2590 and House Bill 04861 were filed to repeal RA 2382 but were never passed.

Villar said the country’s policies in the practice of medicine must be attuned to the times, taking into account the dangerous effects of patients losing their trust in doctors.

“Had it not been for the celebrated Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili scandal, the law may not have been revisited and the obsolescence of some of its provisions could have been missed,” Villar said.

“Doctor-patient confidentiality is an important component of the code of ethics of any medical practitioner. Although violation of this entails some form of punishment or penalty, repeated violations or breach of trust take its toll on the medical profession’s integrity and professionalism,” the resolution read.

Villar said the violations and corresponding penalties must be specified, considering the new incidents.

The resolution cited as another controversial case the Cebu scandal where a delicate surgical procedure in a hospital in the province was videotaped and uploaded on the Internet without the knowledge and consent of the patient.