PHILIPPINE National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) director, Major General Nicolas D. Torre III yesterday said they are going all-out against foreign nationals engaged in medical malpractice in the country which greatly endangers the lives of their patients-clients.

The official said those to be arrested will be charged with violation of Republic Act 2382 or The Medical Act of 1959 for practicing medicine without proper licenses.

Maj. Gen. Torre emphasized the government’s policy and commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only duly licensed professionals practice medicine in the country in ordering the operation against fake doctors in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

“The illegal practice of medicine poses a serious threat to public health, and CIDG will continue to go after individuals who engage in these unlawful activities,” he said.

“Our operations should serve as a warning to all criminals, local or foreign, that the CIDG is unyielding and steadfast in catching all of you to prevent and solve crimes and protect the health and life of clients,” he added.

The PNP-CIDG director likewise encouraged the public to report any illegal practice of medicine and other criminal activities in their localities so that they can take all appropriate actions.

This month, five Vietnamese nationals have been arrested by the PNP-CIDG for violation of RA 2382.

Two of the accused were apprehended by members of the CIDG Quezon City District Field Unit, in coordination with the Q.C. Police District during a sting inside the Bliss Beauty located at no. 125 Don Roces Avenue, Q.C.

Arrested during the operation were the two Vietnamese nationals identified only thru their aliases ‘Linh’ and ‘Phuong.’

Both were caught in the act of misrepresenting themselves as licensed medical doctors that can perform breast and butt augmentation procedures and dispense prescription drugs despite lacking the license and permits from the Professional Regulations Commission and the Department of Health.

Recovered from the suspects were assorted medical products and prescription drugs, including collagen injectables, botulinum toxin, disposable syringes, Juvederm fillers, Amoxicillin, Tranexamic Acid, Telfast HD, and other medical supplies worth at least P500,000.

The three other Vietnamese were arrested in another entrapment operation in Imus City in Cavite province.

“The arrests were made amid the directive of PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil for us to further intensify our crime prevention and solution nationwide and combat all forms of criminality including fraud,” said Maj. Gen. Torre.

The official said members of the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit, with the assistance of the Naval Intelligence and Security Group raided the Lavish Beauty Lounge in Imus City where the three Vietnamese were arrested for violation of RA 2382.

The accused were identified as ‘Doctors Julie Nguyen, Luna Pham and Ryan Truong.’

“They introduced themselves as Doctors and performed injection of stem cell, hair regrowth, body sculpture , bio stimulation collagen and derma-related procedures to their patients and clients,” said the PNP-CIDG director.

However, the three failed to present the required medical licenses and permits to dispense medical products, operate a medical facility, or practice medicine in the Philippines.

Confiscated from the foreign suspects were a huge volume of assorted medicines, medical and cosmetic products and related devices. Also discovered and seized during the raid were notebooks documenting medical procedures, prescription medications, and receipts issued by the accused to their clients.

Operatives of the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit this month also arrested the owner of a local business establishment for selling P500,000 worth of unregistered medicines.

The suspect identified as alias’ Wen’ was placed under arrest during the entrapment operation which resulted in the confiscation of suspected counterfeit medicines and prescription drugs including glucose injections, antibiotics, herbal supplements, and pain relief medications worth at least half-a-million pesos.

The suspect was charged with violation of RA 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 for selling unregistered or misbranded health products.

Maj. Gen. Torre emphasized that the State protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. It also protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard tobacco products.

“The Graphic Health Warnings Law is a very important law to protect the health of our consumers. It must be strictly followed,” he said.

The Medical Act of 1959 was enacted to standardize and regulate the registration of physicians and supervise, control and regulate the practice of medicine in The Philippines.

Under the law, no person shall engage in the practice of medicine in the country unless he is at least 21-years of age, has satisfactorily passed the corresponding Board Examination and is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration inly issued to him by the Board of Medical Examiners.

The same law also says that “any person found guilty of “illegal practice of medicine” shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand pesos nor more than ten thousand pesos with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, or by imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon