PMA defers ruling on Kho malpractice suit

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has deferred the resolution of the malpractice suit filed by actress Katrina Halili against cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hayden Kho after receiving “new documents” from the embattled doctor.

PMA president Dr. Rey Melchor Santos said yesterday during a board meeting last Sunday, they decided not to resolve Halili’s complaint yet because of a “new development” in the case.

“There are new documents that can be pertinent to our decision so we decided to defer (the resolution),” Santos told The STAR. He refused to divulge the nature of the documents, claiming that they are “confidential.”

A few months ago, Halili had asked the PMA to investigate Kho after their sex video had circulated on the Internet and spread through pirated digital video discs.

A similar complaint was filed before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Department of Health.

Halili also accused Kho of malpractice as he allegedly performed liposuction procedure on her in August 2007 when he passed the medical board examination in February 2007.

She alleged that this means Kho had not met the minimum four-year training requirement as a diplomate in cosmetic surgery when the liposuction was done.

Santos added that the PMA’s committee on ethics will review Kho’s documents and they might be able to come up with a decision during the group’s next board meeting in September.

The PMA is investigating if Kho had violated their Code of Conduct not only because of the sex video but of his admission during a Senate hearing that he used illegal drugs.

If found guilty, the PMA will recommend to PRC the revocation of Kho’s license as a doctor.      – Sheila Crisostomo