I heard of so many other cases of malpractice, negligence and institutional inefficiencies, although I dont have the details. It is not only at St. Lukes, but in many other medical institutions. I was also recently operated on and had difficulties all along the way in dealing with doctors, hospital personnel and insurance agencies. My brother also had troubles in dealing with his brain tumor - almost harassed by one doctor to proceed with one procedure which could have been fatal.
Unfortunately, it seems that the legal system (and ethics/camaraderie among medical professionals) in the Philippines is not capable of handling valid complaints of medical malpractice and institutional negligence
But what can we do?
I thought that one way is to set up a medical consumer protection network where users of medical services can consult with and report to. For example, I want to be informed about experiences of patients who went through treatment that is similar to my ailment to help me in making decisions. Also professional fees, troubles to anticipate, what to do in any eventuality, and so on. And I also want to share the medical treatment I received. Maybe, even to rate doctors, hospitals and so on. Perhaps there can be reviews and ratings of hospitals - just like the internet based product or services reviews.
The idea here is not to replace the expert opinions and diagnosis of health professionals, but to provide some additional information from the perspective of consumers or users of medical services.
I belong to a non-government network and I think many will be open to this type of protection network. Jessie's death is a senseless one. These things could have been avoided. But for as long as there is no public accountability or ethical audit system, incidents such as Jessie's case will continue to happen without the public knowing about this, and without responsibility and accountability on the part of the medical sector.
Rene Raya rrraya@gmail.com
Action for Economic Reforms
Quezon City Phils
Unfortunately, it seems that the legal system (and ethics/camaraderie among medical professionals) in the Philippines is not capable of handling valid complaints of medical malpractice and institutional negligence
But what can we do?
I thought that one way is to set up a medical consumer protection network where users of medical services can consult with and report to. For example, I want to be informed about experiences of patients who went through treatment that is similar to my ailment to help me in making decisions. Also professional fees, troubles to anticipate, what to do in any eventuality, and so on. And I also want to share the medical treatment I received. Maybe, even to rate doctors, hospitals and so on. Perhaps there can be reviews and ratings of hospitals - just like the internet based product or services reviews.
The idea here is not to replace the expert opinions and diagnosis of health professionals, but to provide some additional information from the perspective of consumers or users of medical services.
I belong to a non-government network and I think many will be open to this type of protection network. Jessie's death is a senseless one. These things could have been avoided. But for as long as there is no public accountability or ethical audit system, incidents such as Jessie's case will continue to happen without the public knowing about this, and without responsibility and accountability on the part of the medical sector.
Rene Raya rrraya@gmail.com
Action for Economic Reforms
Quezon City Phils
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