Doctors warned vs joining politicians-initiated med missions

ROUGHLY eight months to the May 2013 elections, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Davao has urged all physicians, especially those in the government, to be vigilant and keen about politicians who are conducting medical missions to lure potential voters.

Dr. Abdulla B. Dumama, DOH regional chief, told Sun.Star Davao on Wednesday that the Health office cannot and will not issue a memorandum ordering government doctors to refrain from attending medical missions that might be used by politicians for their personal interests.

The filing for certificate of candidacy (COC) for those seeking an elective post in the 2013 elections is slated October 1-5.

To recall, Dr. Enrique Tayag, assistant secretary of DOH, during his recent visit in Davao City a few weeks ago, warned doctors to be vigilant of politicians who might take advantages of medical missions as a way of reaching out to their prospective voters.

Dumama said it is the physician's discretion, whether in public or private practice, to decide if they want to be used by some politicians especially during the campaign period.

"If they think they are just being used by the politicians, it's up to them if they will let it happen," Dumma said.

Dumama was quick to add that if a doctor thinks that joining a medical mission organized by a certain politicians will be more beneficial to the public that the politicos, then, doctors has the prerogative to be part of the medical activity that is part of their sworn responsibility.

"Personally, even if you know na gina-gamit ka, pero alam mo din naman na makatulong ka, sayo na yon na (that you're being used, but also know that you can help, then it's already your) personal discretion," Dumama said.

"Sa akin, pwedi niya akong gamitin, basta sa tamang paraan (For me, he can use me but in a proper way)," he added. (Jereco O. Paloma)