Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Saturday admonished public health reform advocate Tony Leachon following his six-month suspension by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), emphasizing that the disciplinary action highlights the necessity of ethical conduct and professionalism within the medical field.
In an official statement, Herbosa reminded medical practitioners that they are strictly bound by a Code of Ethics given that their duties directly impact the lives and well-being of their patients.
“Following such ethics allow us to be professionals, respected and confidently treat patients in need who seek our professional expertise,” Herbosa said.
The health secretary noted that doctors bear a heavy responsibility to uphold these ethical standards, which includes exercising extreme caution before leveling accusations against fellow members of the medical community.
Herbosa specifically accused Leachon of breaching the profession’s ethical code by publicly airing groundless allegations against other physicians.
“We, your own colleagues, have to reprimand you and put you in proper place,” Herbosa said.
“This is a profession and as professionals we have ethics. Be unethical, you became unprofessional,” he added.
The reprimand comes after the PCP issued a six-month suspension against Leachon on Friday for defaming fellow doctors and healthcare professionals, alongside other violations of ethical protocols.
In its 26-page decision, the PCP’s 13-member Board of Regents concluded that Leachon committed an undeniable breach of his professional duties and responsibilities, as outlined in the organization’s Code of Ethics, through his public statements targeting his colleagues.