Philippine medical system sucks.

[Arthur Little]

I’m sure all members would wish the best for your father in law.

Indeed, we would, Alan ... all the very BEST for the speedy recoveries of BOTH Marco's AND Keith Britten's respective fathers-in-law.

[marksroomspain]

The costs I know from experience are astronomical as my wife was treated for severe morning sickness early in her pregnancy 47k pesos in private hospital for 4 days treatment, she was so worried at the time her own life was risk by refusing to be admitted only for my intervention and agreeing to settle the hospital bill directly

[malditako]

MCU hospital is quite good but very expensive....private hospitals are for businesss so expect the no pay no treatment as they have so many experiences before where a patient cannot afford to pay their bills at the end of the treatment. You've got to pay all the medicines, laboratory etc beforehand but if you got referral and guaranteed by your own doctor you dont need to pay upfront.

[malditako]

The costs I know from experience are astronomical as my wife was treated for severe morning sickness early in her pregnancy 47k pesos in private hospital for 4 days treatment, she was so worried at the time her own life was risk by refusing to be admitted only for my intervention and agreeing to settle the hospital bill directly

thats nearly the total cost of my ceasarian operation.

[sars_notd_virus]

she was so worried at the time her own life was risk by refusing to be admitted only for my intervention and agreeing to settle the hospital bill directly

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repa...8344_1997.html

This is not right , the hospital or any medical practitioner is violationg the R.A. 8344 and should be penalized...your wife should know this as she is a citizen of the Phiippines and she should know her rights.



IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8344,

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT PENALIZING THE REFUSAL OF HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CLINICS TO ADMINISTER APPROPRIATE INITIAL MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SUPPORT IN EMERGENCY OR SERIOUS CASES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 702, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AN ACT PROHIBITING THE DEMAND OF DEPOSITS OR ADVANCE PAYMENTS FOR THE CONFINEMENT OR TREATMENT OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CLINICS IN CERTAIN CASES"

[sars_notd_virus]

Philippine medical system sucks.

I'm just experiencing the Philippine medical system, my father in law is sick in hospital, he's been there 6 days and is not showing any improvement. I'm not a qualified medical practitioner but what I see is just a money making factory. Every thing has to be paid for up front, we have to buy our own blood if we can find it or bribe someone to donate then there is no guarantee that the blood is good. I'd advise all British subjects that if they get sick buy an air ticket back to the uk, it will be a lot cheaper and you will probably live longer.

I dont agree that Philippine medical system sucks!!! we have the finest doctors, surgeons , dentist etc...the only problem with people is that they only register and get health cards when they feel very sick,..what i can advice to all british out there who want to settle in the philippines is that get a health card just or before you set your foot in the PH,theres nothing wrong in paying for it and dont use it than run around in circles once you need it....btw, if some of you say that the NHS is free here its not(we pay for it through our taxes/we pay for prescriptions), its only free at the point of delivery.

[mickmyrna]

I dont agree that Philippine medical system sucks!!! we have the finest doctors, surgeons , dentist etc...the only problem with people is that they only register and get health cards when they feel very sick,..what i can advice to all british out there who want to settle in the philippines is that get a health card just or before you set your foot in the PH,theres nothing wrong in paying for it and dont use it than run around in circles once you need it....btw, if some of you say that the NHS is free here its not(we pay for it through our taxes/we pay for prescriptions), its only free at the point of delivery.

Yeah thats right , NHS is not free because i've been to the doctors last monday and i paid £15.30 for two prescriptions ... Myrna

[malditako]

Not really Joe. His heart was enlarged and he apparently had some liver problems and lost quite a bit of weight. He was in MCU which I understand is a private hospital. When I was over he wasn't looking the best when I arrived but after we got all his meds for him he seemed to improve and actually looked a lot better when I was coming home.
It's just the whole no money no treatment that annoys you and makes you appreciate how good we have it here. Also the fact you have to pay for blood.
It seems that his problem has returned in some form this last few days so we are just waiting to hear what's happening.

if he's got heart problems and wants to see a specialist its worth going to philippine heart center in quenzon city. Though its not absolutely free there are some NGO's there that help penniless patients with their bills.

[joebloggs]

Yeah thats right , NHS is not free because i've been to the doctors last monday and i paid £15.30 for two prescriptions ... Myrna

no its paid for out of our taxes, but better paying what we pay than the £1000s you would need to pay to go private

[imagine]

no its paid for out of our taxes, but better paying what we pay than the £1000s you would need to pay to go private

thats right , its not free, because we pay for it with our taxes,

its only free to some in the free sense of the word

[Michael Parnham]

NHS is the best healthcare system in the world, don't knock it, because if you lived in any other country you would soon think differently!

[jonnijon]

Regional hospitals in the Philippines you only pay for medicine not the treatment.

[keith britten]

Regulation 23(a) – UK state pensioners
3.98 UK state pensioners who have lived lawfully in the UK, or been employed by the UK
government, for ten continuous years at some point are exempt from charges for treatment
the need for which arises during the visit to the UK. This is regardless of where they are
now residing, how long each year they reside there or if they have registered as resident
there.
Examples of evidence:
- (a) confirmation in receipt of UK state pension (not private or occupational pension) –
e.g. pension slip, pink form BR 464, confirmation from DWP; and
- (b) proof of ten years continuous residence e.g. previous job, schools attended,
previous address(es).
3.99 This exemption extends to their spouse/civil partner and/or dependent children if they are
lawfully present on a permanent basis with the UK state pensioner whilst the UK state
pensioner is visiting the UK.
3.100 See also regulation 16, which also concerns UK state pension holders, to see if it applies
for planned treatment. UK state pensioners living in other EEA members states may also
qualify for free treatment under EU Regulations – see regulation 9.

[jake]

Regulation 23(a) – UK state pensioners
3.98 UK state pensioners who have lived lawfully in the UK, or been employed by the UK
government, for ten continuous years at some point are exempt from charges for treatment
the need for which arises during the visit to the UK. This is regardless of where they are
now residing, how long each year they reside there or if they have registered as resident
there.
Examples of evidence:
- (a) confirmation in receipt of UK state pension (not private or occupational pension) –
e.g. pension slip, pink form BR 464, confirmation from DWP; and
- (b) proof of ten years continuous residence e.g. previous job, schools attended,
previous address(es).
3.99 This exemption extends to their spouse/civil partner and/or dependent children if they are
lawfully present on a permanent basis with the UK state pensioner whilst the UK state
pensioner is visiting the UK.
3.100 See also regulation 16, which also concerns UK state pension holders, to see if it applies
for planned treatment. UK state pensioners living in other EEA members states may also
qualify for free treatment under EU Regulations – see regulation 9.

How's your father in law? If you can give us a bit information maybe someone will have some answers that might help.
There are some good hospitals here in the Philippines.

[keith britten]

Hi Jake,Thanks for asking, I thought this post had got side tracked to other issues. He's still not good, I don't want to give to much info on here which may predudice his "treatment". He's got serious trouble with his blood platelet level and so far the docs haven't managed to correct it by giving him whole blood transfusions. Getting the blood is another problem, my wife was waiting for 4 hours at the Red Cross last night.

[jake]

Hi Jake,Thanks for asking,I thought this post had got side tracked to other issues. He's still not good, I don't want to give to much info on here which may predudice his "treatment". He's got serious trouble with his blood platelet level and so far the docs have'nt managed to correct it by giving him whole blood transfusions. Getting the blood is another problem, my wife was waiting for 4 hours at the Red Cross last night.

Sorry to hear that.
The posts do get side tracked sometimes and we are all guilty of doing that at some point. Im quite a new member as well and have found the vast majority of people on this forum are good people who will help if they can.

The reason i asked for more information was maybe somebody on this forum might be from the area your are based. They may have some valuable local knowledge that could help with your father in laws case.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[keith britten]

Thanks for you best wishes Jake. This is a good site, I gained a lot of valuable information before I came to live here.

[BoholoX]

Hi Keith

Sorry to hear of your problems.

If you havent found it a forum called Living in Cebu has a network of mainly expats who are willing to donate blood, mainly in Cebu obviously but they do have Davao members. maybe worth a try?

[raynaputi]

From previous experience from friends and their families, Red Cross accepts blood donations (regardless of blood types) as replacement (or as payment? not much sure about this) for the blood that the patient needs. Some friends had requested our group of friends to donate blood when a family member was sick. I think Red Cross do this to have stocks available as much as possible.

[mickmyrna]

no its paid for out of our taxes, but better paying what we pay than the £1000s you would need to pay to go private

[mickmyrna]

thats right , its not free, because we pay for it with our taxes,

its only free to some in the free sense of the word

[fred]

NHS is the best healthcare system in the world, don't knock it, because if you lived in any other country you would soon think differently!

My Father had a feeling in his arm that a stroke was coming on..He knew this because he had 2 minor strokes before.. We took him to the NHS hospital in North London where he had the full stroke whilst waiting in line in a cold damp waiting room.. The stupid nurse called the guy two places in front of him..If they had prioritized him 20 mins earlier then things may not have gone so badly for him... The people in the Queue protested and he was then admitted in their turn..
I went to visit him daily and had to watch the nurses giving him coffee when there was a big sign at the end of his bed... NIL BY MOUTH.
He died not long after and I blame the NHS..
Wish we had the money at the time to go private.

[imagine]

wishing Marco and Keith Britten's fathers-in-laws a quick recovery back to health

[fred]

Also a year before I left Britain I was backended in my van (I was going 40 MPH) by a Mercedes Sprinter fully loaded going 90.
Bad accident and I was unconscious for 20 mins when they cut open my crushed vehicle on the A1 M.
They stuck me on a rigid board and into the ambulance and then to Lister Hospital.. I was wheeled into a corridor where I stayed waited 2 hours for an Xray.. They didnt even give me a pain killer!! Had the X ray and waited strapped to board for another hour before being advised that the Xray was of bad quality and I was now in a NEW queue to get have another one done.. An hour and 30 mins later... Pain was unbearable... After all that the Doc said I should stay in over night for observation.. I told him to piss off!!!! I went home..
The taxi driver asked me if I was the guy that caused the tail back from Hitchin to London.. Yes..I said.
You can keep the NHS.. Id rather go private.

[grahamw48]

In 2004 my dad suffered a brain hemorrhage/stroke. He was 81, but otherwise fit and in good health...non-smoker non-drinker. Both of his parents had lived beyond their mid-eighties and died of 'old age'.

He was taken to the small local hospital, where I went immediately to be at his side. He was unconscious and continually fitting. It was horrible.

I asked the doctors why he couldn't be taken to the main hospital about 20 miles away (where he could have had the pressure on his brain relieved), and the doctor told me that because of his age and that he had a heart murmur, it would probably be a waste of time.

He died, seemngly in agony, a few hours later, me still holding his hand.

[keith britten]

Hi Keith

Sorry to hear of your problems.

If you havent found it a forum called Living in Cebu has a network of mainly expats who are willing to donate blood, mainly in Cebu obviously but they do have Davao members. maybe worth a try?

Thanks, I have used this Cebu site before, they are very helpfull. However, blood supply is only one problem,in my opinion we need a doc who knows what he's doing.My father in law has been in the hospital for 9 days now and there is very little improvement in his condition. My wife has been with him all the time and running around every where to find blood and buy his medication. Iwish that I could be there to support her but I'm affraid if I go there and they see that their is a westoner in the family the charges would proberly double.

[jake]

Thanks, I have used this Cebu site before, they are very helpfull. However, blood supply is only one problem,in my opinion we need a doc who knows what he's doing.My father in law has been in the hospital for 9 days now and there is very little improvement in his condition. My wife has been with him all the time and running around every where to find blood and buy his medication. Iwish that I could be there to support her but I'm affraid if I go there and they see that their is a westoner in the family the charges would proberly double.

Sorry to hear there hasn't been much improvement.
I don't know the hospitals or doctors in your area so i cant recommend anybody. You should go there and give your wife some support as im sure it would help her a lot.
Personally i don't think the bill will double if you go there. If anything it might help your father in law get better treatment because you are a foreigner. If you do go be polite to everybody even if some of the things are you off.

Is he in a government or private hospital? I know both seem private as you pay either way

[Michael Parnham]

Sorry to hear of anyone's bad experiences with NHS or any other health service, I assure you I do not mean to offend or disregard any other members personal experiances, I can only speak of my past relationship with any hospital that I have had dealings with, and up to now I have no complaints at all, and have a lot to thank the NHS for.

[Doc Alan]

As the only qualified medical practitioner regularly contributing to the forum – but, like other members, not making money out of the time given – I have already expressed sympathy for the two fathers-in-law whose plights we have read about on this thread.


I am also sorry to read about other members who have had unfortunate experiences, either personally or with their loved ones.


Naturally it’s impossible to defend every health worker and explain every anecdote where health care appears sub-optimal.

My one post on this thread ( but many others elsewhere ) explaining the situation in the Philippines and the UK, is accurate to the best of my knowledge.


“ Private “ medical care – where payment is made directly, as opposed to indirectly - should be of the same standard and based on good evidence. Be aware that the same doctor treating for fee(s) may well also be giving the same health care for a salary, in a taxation-funded health service. Of course there may not be a choice – which is why many Filipinos succumb to illness which is either not treated, or inadequately treated because they can’t afford it, and their insurance may not cover it.


Private healthcare is not a business quite like any other business. Only certain conditions can be treated privately. Lucrative procedures may be “ cherry picked “. For emergencies, and other conditions if complications arise - or may often be expected because of the type of illness ( requiring intensive care for example ) - in the UK the NHS will ALWAYS be needed. Conversely, “ Health tourism “ may appear relatively cheap in some countries, such as the Philippines, but consideration should be given to follow up and possible complications.






The vast majority of NHS “ clients “ ( a dreadful description – they are patients ! ) are treated well by the NHS and have reason to count their blessings. This compares favourably with countries like the Philippines MAINLY because more resources are available in the UK – not just money, but numbers of health workers per head of population.

[joebloggs]

the NHS has saved my life a couple of times, no complaints from me