8 more things health professionals can do for their country

Our health workers are heroes in their own right. Collectively, Filipino doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, therapists, and barangay health workers are responsible for caring for the lives of 90 million Filipinos.

It is said that health is wealth. And a healthy workforce will translate to a healthy economy. Our health workers are indispensable, especially in times of epidemics and disasters. Every day, they may be exposed to patients with tuberculosis, AIDS, and other communicable diseases.

But for whom much is given, much is asked. Here are eight more things health workers can do to help their country.

1. Pay taxes. Most health professionals pay their taxes correctly, despite a few well-publicized exceptions. Perceived government corruption is not an excuse not to pay taxes. Let’s do our share to help our country.

2. Charge patients reasonably. In the olden times, Paracelsus wrote that a doctor should not accept a fee unless it is earned. Studies show that only 11 percent of doctors earn P1 million or more a year. The other 89 percent only earn an average of P12,000-18,000 per month. Despite this, most health professionals give free treatment to poor patients. In these difficult times, let us charge reasonably and treat our patients like family.

3. Prescribe for the patient’s best interest. Doctors should prescribe medicines based on their conscience and for the patient’s best interest. He should not let ties with drug companies cloud his judgment. Since 70 percent of our countrymen cannot buy the whole course of prescribed medicines, the doctor can ask the patient first if he can afford the drug. Moreover, let’s keep abreast with cheaper yet effective generic alternatives for our patients.

4. Do charity work. For most health workers, charity is a way of life. To help patients, doctors and nurses just need a stethoscope and a blood pressure apparatus. With the skill and compassionate heart of our health professionals, he/she can initiate several advocacies and find unique ways to help our people. As Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

5. Don’t say bad things about your country.  If you’re a Filipino, let us refrain from spreading bad news about the Philippines. It’s easy to pick up and spread negative news. For example, if a senior doctor feels disillusioned, this will easily rub off on the younger doctors and make them want to leave the country, too.

Also, let’s not compare Philippine healthcare with that of the United States or anywhere else in the world. Sure, our equipment and laboratory exams may not be the latest models invented yet. However, many Filipinos still come back to the country to get their medical care because they know they will be treated compassionately and without discrimination. Let’s respect each country’s strengths in health care.

6. Love your patients. The first rule for health professionals is to do no harm. Whether rich or poor, let’s take the time to explain to our patients his medical condition and the lifestyle changes he has to make if he wants to get better. In difficult cases, refer the patient to a person better skilled to handle the case.

7. Support our young colleagues. Young health professionals are the future of our country. Without a steady supply of graduates, our healthcare system will collapse. Now, more than ever, let’s support our young colleagues by making it easier for them to stay and serve their country. Let’s take the initiative, through mentoring and guidance, and give them the moral support to succeed in their own fields of endeavor.

8. Have faith in the Philippines. Patients look at their doctors and nurses as potential role models. If a health worker loses faith in the country, then the ordinary Filipino worker may think there’s no hope for him, too. Let’s stay positive and continue with our goals. Let’s trust our leaders, our colleagues, and our community. There’s no giving up on helping and healing the country. –Willie T. Ong, MD (The Philippine Star)