Chinese national nabbed for illegal medical practice

A Chinese national was nabbed for allegedly practicing medicine without a license and operating a “hospital” in Pasay.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta on Sunday, the suspect was arrested in a National Bureau of Investigation-Dangerous Drugs Division undercover operation during which the suspect allegedly prescribed medicine and accepted payment for her services.

Another Chinese national was also nabbed after trying to barricade himself inside the bathroom.

The suspect allegedly controlled a 3-floor building, with a complete hospital set-up, where she often met and diagnosed patients.

Authorities were able to seize an ultrasound machine, stethoscopes, prescription pads, medicine tablets, and other medical equipment.

The report also stated that the doctor prescribed several medicine tablets and recommended her patients drink it all at once.

Her prescriptions also date back to 2022 and she had been purchasing dextrose and antibiotics in bulk for her patients.

Meanwhile, the suspect said that she was not a doctor.

“I am not directly applying medicine. I am just applying injections,  prescribing medicines. [I did not] know that it is illegal to practice medicine here in the Philippines without a license,” the suspect said.

“'Yung practice of medicine [in the Philippines] ay reserved to Filipinos. You have to be a Filipino para makapag-practice ka niyan. Number 2, you have to graduate ng medicine and you have to pass the board exams,” said NBI Dangerous Drugs Division chief Attorney Ross Jonathan Galicia.

(The practice of medicine in the Philippines is reserved for Filipinos. You have to be a Filipino to practice that. Number 2, you must have a medical degree and pass the board exams.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News