Penalties for veterinary malpractices proposed
IN a bid to protect house pets and other animals from veterinary malpractices, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte has filed a measure that aims to institutionalize the penalties.
House Bill 7896 or the Anti-Veterinary Malpractice Act of 2023 includes fine, cancellation of license to practice and revocation of permit to operate to veterinarians in the list of penalties against veterinary malpractices.
The bill also seeks to require veterinarians to avail of malpractice insurance to answer for any claims of damages arising from the act or omission perpetrated by them resulting in injury or loss of life to any animal.
“The state recognizes the role of veterinary medicine in the country as a practice dedicated for the protection of the animal population through safe and proper diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of these animals. The regulation in the practice of veterinary medicine is enshrined in Republic Act No. 9268 or The Philippine Veterinary Medicine Act of 2004, which in addition, institutionalizes the mandate of the Professional Regulatory Board of Veterinary Medicine,” Duterte said.
The proposed measure states that any veterinarian who performs any act constituting to veterinary medicine malpractice or illegal surgery shall be punishable by fine or both and, the cancellation of the practitioner’s license to practice veterinary medicine, revocation of the Certification of Registration, or cancellation of the special permit issued on behalf of his/her practice.
