On controversial cataract missions
PAO nat'l prexy turns the blame on PhilHealth
The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmologists (PAO) has vowed to crackdown on its members who have been involved in irregularities related to controversial cataract operations charged to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Dr. Maria Dominga Padilla, PAO national president, said they will ask PhilHealth for an official report to list down the ophthalmologists whom they have found to be utilizing cataract patient seekers.
Padilla said the report should include whatever evidence PhilHealth has on the doctors and whatever complaints they have received concerning these doctors.
"Once we receive the report, then we will definitely file complaints with our ethics committee. The Implementing Rule and Regulations (IRR) of our Code of Ethics specifically states that utilizing PhilHealth cataract seekers is unethical and grounds for suspension or expulsion," Padilla told The News Today in a telephone interview.
PAO has 1,300 members and 10 regional chapters.
Padilla said using recruiter-agents or "seekers" is "unethical".
Article 3 Section 7 of the PAO's Code of Ethics provides that eye doctors (EyeMD) "shall refrain from soliciting patients through any means or form or through any medium unless otherwise permitted by this Code; neither should he offer to or receive from a fellow physician, EyeMD, allied health professional or independent solicitor any fee(s) or favor(s) or consideration(s) for the purpose of obtaining patients."
The Code also provides that medical missions should be supervised by the PAO and should not be limited to PhilHealth members.
She said they will investigate the alleged involvement of their members especially in Western Visayas. Those found guilty will be declared not in good standing or will be expelled from PAO.
But she said PhilHealth should investigate and file complaints against these erring ophthalmologists because "they can still practice and get (PhilHealth) claims even if we expel them."
She said they have issued warnings to around five of their members two years ago and only a few continue to be engage in the unethical recruitment of cataract patients.
Padilla blamed PhilHealth for the continued existence of this practice.
"Why don't they act on (the complaints of alleged irregularities)? We have been complaining against it for so long," said Padilla.
She said they have forwarded complaints to the PhilHealth's legal department and have asked for a report on the investigation conducted on the doctors but the government insurance corporation has failed to respond and act on these complaints.
"We have cooperated with them. But they are sitting on the cases," said Padilla.
She said the controversy should be resolved at the earliest because it is affecting all ophthalmologists in the country.
"Only a handful is doing it and almost all are in Region VI. But this is causing a lot of demoralization and fighting in the Academy," she said.