CEBU CITY, Philippines – A Cebu-based group of doctors reminded their colleagues to always display good behavior amid challenges they face due to the ongoing public health crisis.
“Doctors are not immune to the frustration and anxiety brought about by the pandemic. We are crushed by the passing of our colleagues. Inappropriate conduct cannot be condoned, especially if public trust and confidence in the medical profession are undermined,” the Cebu Medical Society (CMS) said.
CMS on Monday, February 1, 2021, issued its official statement in relation to an incident last January, wherein police rounded up 12 doctors from different private hospitals in Cebu City for violating curfew protocols.
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The statement was signed by CMS president, Dr. Minnie Monteclaro.
The group disclosed that they, too, conducted their own investigation over the matter, and found out that only three of the 12 physicians nabbed were ‘members with inactive status.’
This prompted CMS to remind its fellow physicians to always display proper decorum.
“(CMS) stands for the integrity of its members,” the statement said.
“We will continue to work with the appropriate agencies in delivering health for all. Honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness make up the heart of the medical profession. We are accountable to those who trust us – patients, colleagues, and the community. Apart from the vocation to heal, it is our inner obligation to be a good example to the community,” it added.
12 doctors from private hospitals were arrested while unwinding and drinking liquor in an establishment in Barangay Banilad in Cebu City during the Oplan Bulabog, a police-led operation against violators of health protocols and quarantine restrictions, last January 15.
The doctors were among the 166 quarantine violators apprehended that night.
While considered as Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR), the police and local government officials, however, said the physicians caught having drinking sessions beyond 11 p.m. were already off-duty.
APORs are among those exempted from following certain health protocols.
/bmjo