PRC waives permit for foreign doctors

MANILA, Philippines - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has waived the required permits for foreign doctors and other professionals who will be joining the medical and relief operations in areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The PRC said that for humanitarian reasons, it will no longer require foreign doctors and professionals to secure special temporary permits (STPs) if they will help in medical and relief operations.

Under the law, all foreign doctors and professionals who intend to practice in the Philippines, as well as those who are engaging in humanitarian mission, shall secure STPs from the PRC.

But the PRC said it has received numerous appeals to waive the requirement. Instead, the PRC has ordered concerned local government units to submit a list of foreign doctors and other professionals involved in medical and relief operations in their area.