Pinoy doctors, dentists can soon work in SEA

CEBU, Philippines - An agreement has been forged among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to allow Filipino doctors and dentists to practice their profession in other ASEAN countries while a similar agreement for Certified Public Accountants is also being negotiated, said Education Secretary Jesli Lapus.

Lapus, who is also the vice chairman of the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting, made the statement at the sidelines of the annual conference of ASEAN education ministers held recently in Phuket, Thailand.

“The signing of these agreements means that our doctors, dentists and later on certified public accountants may be recognized and practice in other ASEAN countries and vice versa.

This translates to a bigger market for our professionals and greater opportunities for employment and professional training,” he said.

He added that the Mutual Recognition Arrangements on Medical Practitioners and Dental Practitioners and a framework Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Accountancy Services have been signed by ASEAN members to allow the free movement of professionals and skilled labor in the region.

The agreements also call for the establishment of the ASEAN Joint Coordinating Committees on Medical and Dental Practitioners composed of representatives from each ASEAN member state to facilitate the implementation of the agreements in each country and to develop strategies for the full implementation of these accords.

The signing of the mutual recognition arrangements is seen as one of the steps to building a true ASEAN community by 2015.

“We welcome these developments because these are concrete steps to realize a true ASEAN community that is inclusive, harmonious, and borderless and one that expands the opportunities for personal growth and development for our countrymen,” he added.

The agreements, which will take effect in August this year, provides that Filipino doctors and dentists may apply for recognition in another ASEAN country if he or she has a valid professional license from the Professional Regulation Commission, has been in active practice for not less than five continuous years in the Philippines, has no pending administrative or criminal case in relation to the practice of his or her profession and complies with other requirements that may be imposed by the host country.

If the professional satisfies these conditions, he or she shall be recognized as qualified to practice in the host country. However, he or she shall at all times be bound by the domestic laws, regulations and the professional and ethical codes of conduct and standards of medical and dental practice imposed by the host country.

“Our professionals can definitely benefit from these agreements as they would strengthen their professional capabilities and promote the flow of information, exchange of expertise and best practices suited to the specific needs of ASEAN member states,” Lapus said.

Department of Health-7 chief on health regulation Dr. Angelita Salarda welcomed the news .

“Our Filipino doctors and dentists are competent enough to practice their profession in other Asian countries. Medical schools and institutions in the Philippines are known to be of high standards and a lot of Asians are taking their degrees in Medicine even here in Cebu,” Salarda said. — Johanna T. Natavio and Sarah Jane Nengasca, UP Masscom intern/BRP    (THE FREEMAN)