Health Groups Condemn Viral Surgeon Claims
Several health organizations have strongly condemned a viral social media post accusing a surgeon of charging a “very high” professional fee. These groups described the claims as unverified and unfounded, emphasizing the need to protect medical professionals from unjust public shaming.
In a joint statement, the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS), Philippine Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons Inc. (Patacsi), and Philippine Wound Care Society (PWCS) expressed their disapproval of the “public shaming of our fellows or any member of the medical profession.” They noted that a media member’s post negatively portrayed a fellow surgeon based on baseless accusations.
Medical Associations Defend Surgeons’ Professional Fees
On the same day, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) issued separate statements condemning the public vilification of doctors. They highlighted the dedication and sacrifices health-care professionals make every day.
Though no names were mentioned, officials reported that the statements followed a Facebook post by former journalist Ramon Tulfo. Tulfo criticized a doctor from the Philippine Heart Center for charging the mother of his friend a “very high” professional fee.
Tulfo claimed that his friend’s mother was unable to leave the hospital because the doctor requested a payment of P85,000, bringing their total hospital expenses to P110,000. He questioned the steep fee, noting that the surgery was not a major operation.
“It’s not even major surgery, just at the leg. How come the payment to hospitals and doctors are that high? Have mercy, Doc!” Tulfo said in Filipino.
Explaining the Surgeon’s Professional Fee Structure
The PMA clarified that professional fees can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the type of procedure, and the physician’s expertise. “Each doctor has the right to determine the worth of his services rendered guided by a common relative value scale followed in the Philippines,” the association explained.
Officials reported that, based on the patient’s treatment details, the hospital charges and professional fees were within ethical and acceptable limits. In fact, the doctor’s fee was noted to be lower than usual, with physicians agreeing to receive payment through a guarantee letter.
“Considering the patient was treated with utmost compassion and concern by several attending physicians for more than 20 days, the social media post claiming ‘heartless treatment’ from the physicians is unjust and uncalled for,” PMA representatives said.
Calls for Respectful Dialogue and Patient-Doctor Trust
The PCS, Patacsi, and PWCS emphasized the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship and urged that concerns about medical care and professional fees should be addressed through proper, respectful channels. They stressed the importance of allowing all parties to be heard and evaluating facts objectively.
The groups called for a culture of mutual respect and professionalism, warning that public accusations risk permanently damaging reputations, eroding trust, and undermining the patient-doctor relationship.
“Any dispute or allegation should be resolved through dialogue, mediation or the appropriate legal and regulatory bodies, not through trial by publicity—especially on social media,” community members said.
Physicians Warn Against Irresponsible Social Media Claims
The PCP expressed concern over irresponsible social media posts spreading unverified information against doctors. These posts, the group noted, harm not only individual reputations but also public confidence in the medical profession, which is vital for effective healthcare.
“These hurtful and potentially damaging posts come at a time when many physicians continue to serve wholeheartedly, often sacrificing personal time and resources, even as some patients and institutions inappropriately reduce their professional fees,” PCP representatives said.
“Such actions devalue the dedication and expertise that physicians bring to the health-care system,” they added.
The PCP urged the public to verify facts before sharing information. They emphasized that constructive dialogue—not public vilification—is essential for resolving concerns and improving the healthcare system.
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