Group yet to issue stand on allowing foreign doctors to practice locally

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA) that the Arab state launched the exchange of information program in 2018 as a “platform knowledge.”

Board said it needs to wait for a statement from the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) on a proposed plan to allow foreign doctors to work in the Philippines.

“PCP is our mother society,” the PHA said in a text message.

Earlier, Sen. Francis Tolentino called on newly-appointed Department of Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa to allow foreign doctors to practice in the country for a limited time.

Herbosa said he will talk to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to possibly relax the current licensing rules to allow foreign doctors to temporarily practice their profession in the country.

But former PCP president Dr. Anthony Leachon noted that foreign doctors will need to pass the Philippine Licensure Examination conducted by the PRC just like in other countries.

“It’s not easy. This would need the PRC, Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and specialty societies like the PCP,” he said.

But he asserted we need to think of a holistic view in addressing human resource problems. The PRC, under Republic Act No. 8981, has the power to supervise foreign nationals who are authorized by existing laws to practice their professions, either as holders of a certificate of registration and a professional identification card or a temporary special permit in the Philippines. In a statement, Tolentino said there are plenty of doctors abroad signifying to conduct medical practice in the country, but the current protective Philippine policy prevents them from doing so.

“There are doctors and specialists registered in other countries who want to practice here in our country for a brief period, not to compete. This will result in the transfer of technology,” he said.

There are also specialists, especially fellow Filipinos practicing abroad, in the United States who Tolentino said want to serve in the Philippines, not only in medical missions but for a longer term since they have an affinity for the country.

The envoy said the Philippines and the UAE governments may exchange information through an MOU, noting that a similar agreement has been done with over 40 countries, including Egypt, Spain and Jordan.

He raised the proposal, as he noted that a lot of companies from the UAE have expressed intent to put up a business in the Philippines.

“This program is to exchange information (between our) countries. We have more than 40 countries now in this program. It’s a government exchange program by the Office of the Prime Minister,” the UAE official, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), told Mr. Marcos.

Garafil said the UAE government has also reaffirmed its strong commitment to support the Marcos administration’s initiatives to protect the environment and boost the Philippine economy.

This, as the ambassador and other officials from the UAE expressed appreciation for the Philippines as it sees the Gulf state as a “country that has no enemies and a country that is a good friend to everyone,” Garafil said.