Ramon Tulfo not apologizing for viral post criticizing doctor's 'high' professional fee
Broadcaster Ramon Tulfo said he will not apologize for his post criticizing a doctor's alleged high professional fees, even as various medical communities condemned his viral post.
Tulfo directly responded to the flak from medical associations and professionals through several Facebook posts on Aug. 11.
"Mga mahal naming doktor, huwag sana ninyong kalimutan ang inyong sinampaang Hippocratic Oath," he wrote.
In case you didn't know, the Hippocratic Oath is an ethical code requiring doctors to use their skills to provide only helpful care, actively avoiding harm to patients, and upholding high personal and professional standards.
In a separate post, Tulfo questioned regulations on professional fees and had a message for doctors whose "ego" he "pricked."
"If I offended you, that is your problem, not mine," the broadcaster wrote.
"I am not apologizing for voicing the concerns of ordinary citizens, essentially those who are powerless in the face of skyrocketing healthcare costs."
On Aug. 8, Tulfo detailed the case of his friend Philip Gabas' mother, who was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center after suffering a cut on her leg that wouldn't heal because of her diabetes. She had previously undergone surgery at SDS Memorial Hospital in Marikina, he added.
According to him, the patient cannot be discharged because she still has an outstanding balance of P110,000. Her specialist, Dr. Ramon Ribu, allegedly charged P85,000 in professional fees.
Tulfo went on to state that the family had already received financial assistance from the Malasakit Center, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, Congressman Miro Quimbo, and the Caridad T. Tulfo Foundation.
"Kung hindi sa napakalaking professional fee ni Ribu ay P25,000 na lang sana ang babayaran ni Philip upang makalabas na si Nanay. 'Di naman major surgery, sa binti lang. Bakit naman ganoon kalaki ang bayad sa ospital at mga doktor?" Tulfo said
In another post, Tulfo quoted Philip Gabas as saying, "Naglinis lang naman siya ng sugat. Wala namang operasyon na naganap. Yung mga ibang doktor 15k lang ang sinisingil pero siya napakalaki."
"Akala ko ba ang government hospital ay para sa mahihirap. Por dios, por santo parang ospital ng mga milyonaryo ang Heart Center!" the broadcaster ended.
Social media users react
Tulfo's post was met mostly with users explaining that a doctor's years of experience and expertise are not easily acquired.
"Officials like this are the reason why our skilled doctors and nurses prefer to be abroad. Imbes na mali nila dahil kulang budget ang mga health sectors natin sa pinas. Why don't they blame the system for not providing sa mga filipinos?" one user noted.
"Hindi ko iyayabang na ang doktor nag-aral ng matagal (eight to nine years). Hindi ko iyayabang na ang doktor nag-training ng additional seven to eight years para maging vascular surgeon. Ang trabaho nila hindi kayang gawin ng kahit sino lang. Trabaho nila yan na dapat may karampatang bayad," another user explained.
Meanwhile, some users echoed Tulfo's sentiments.
"Abusado di [nagkaunawaan] sa mga tao wala kakayahan magbayad ng malaki," one user wrote.
Medical community responds
Several health associations condemned Tulfo's remarks and accusations against Ribu.
"Professional fees for doctors can vary based on several factors, including the complexity and type of service rendered and the level of expertise of the physician handling the case," the Philippine Medical Association wrote in a statement.
"Each doctor has the right to determine the worth of his services rendered, guided by a common relative value scale followed in the Philippines."
The group also stood in solidarity with the medical community against what they described as a damaging online campaign.
"We therefore condemn the post to malign a physician who performed his duty well. He was singled out despite the fact that there were several medical specialists who handled this very complex case," they said, urging the public to "focus on promoting a supportive and respectful environment for healthcare professionals."
It added, "Doctors and all health care professionals play a vital role in our lives, and you should be acknowledging their hard work and dedication. You were treated and saved from near death to good health ready for discharge and you repay their kindness with Public shaming!"
This was also echoed by the Philippine College of Surgeons, the Philippine Association of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons, Inc., and the Wound Care Society in a joint statement.
"We remain committed to providing quality surgery for all and call for a culture of mutual respect and professionalism in addressing medical concerns, without the risk of permanently damaging reputations, eroding public trust, and undermining the patient-doctor relationship."
Likewise, the Philippine College of Physicians expressed concern over posts spreading unverified information and unfounded claims against physicians.
"We call on the public to exercise discernment, verify facts, and respect the integrity of the medical profession. Constructive dialogue—not public vilification—is the path to resolving concerns and improving our health care system," the organization said.
These also ring true to Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
"As a fellow of the Philippine College of Surgeons, I concur," he said while posting the official statements from PMA.
