Repeal of 'obsolete' Medical Act sought amid Hayden's drug admission

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine medical field can do away with the likes of celebrity cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho who has been entangled in a sex and drugs scandal with actress Katrina Halili, if only Congress would pass a bill that would repeal the “obsolete” Medical Act of 1959.

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, an obstetrician-gynecologist by profession, said “Dr. Kho’s admission of drug use is utterly despicable because it not only tainted the reputation of medical professionals in general but he also placed his patients’ life at risk.”

Kho had admitted using the sex drug Ecstasy during his sexual trysts with Halili.

“As policymakers, we have a responsibility to guarantee quality health care is being given to the people and to do that, unethical ways and abuses in the practice of medicine must be obliterated,” Garin said.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA), of which Kho is a member, is conducting its own internal ethics investigation and would expel him if warranted and recommend to the Professional Regulation Commission the revocation of his license.

Garin also noted that the country already took the first step in deterring medical abuses since the House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 6403, or the Physicians Act of 2009.

The passage of HB 6403 would ensure that ethical practices in the medical profession are addressed.

“The Medical Act of 1959 is the only law governing the practice of medicine and sad to say, it has become obsolete.

“Needs and problems on medical care have obviously evolved. The fact that non-specialists are performing liposuction surgery without the supposedly required residency training increases the risk of botched procedures,” Garin said.

Among the additional grounds the House recommended for the revocation of a doctor’s license is “addiction to any habit-forming drug.”

It also stipulates “mandatory membership in the PMA, who will govern the practice of medicine.”

“The number one unspoken rule in the medical profession is to ‘do no harm.’ The proposed Physicians Act seeks to further strengthen that rule as it provides precise reulations needed to effectively go after violators and prosecute them.”

Garin also said the drug allegations against Kho should not be swept under the rug. “It should not be treated like any other scandal that we will talk about for a month or so and do nothing later. This is serious as it mirrors realities that must be dealt with by the government.”