Forensic science
DON’T look now, but there are only two Filipino forensic pathologists, who examine corpses to determine how and why they died.
They are Drs. Raquel Fortun and Maria Cecilia Lim, both of the Pathology Department of the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM).
Drs. Fortun and Lim are chairwoman and vice chairwoman of the UPM-College of Medicine’s Pathology Department, respectively.
It is certainly heartening to know, however, that the country intends to increase its pool of forensic experts and medicolegal investigators.
This, the government will do by bringing in experts from Australia, who will help UPM provide training programs in forensic science.
Fortun said the program is aimed at training a new batch of experts capable of facilitating the proper conduct of death investigations.
Last October 24, UPM and Australia’s Monash University signed an agreement that allows both schools to offer specialized forensic science programs in the country.
Under the accord, graduates of the training programs will either receive a two-year Forensic Medicine Master’s Degree or a short-term certificate.
The certificate will be issued jointly by UPM and Monash University in accordance with Republic Act 1144 or the Transnational Education Law.
Note that Dr. Fortun has been calling for a death investigation system that is fully state-funded and independent from law enforcement.
