(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday assured lawmakers that the agency will strengthen its campaign against bullying among doctors and patients in hospitals.
In a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Herbosa said steps have been undertaken to stop bullying in hospitals, such as putting up posters to inform medical workers, as well as patients, about their rights.
"We will issue an administrative order to put up notices even in emergency rooms," he said.
Herbosa said the DOH has also set up a bullying crisis hotline: 1553, or 09190571553 and 09178998727.
He also noted that a survey by the DOH in hospitals was able to confirm four cases of bullying out of 26 reported.
"May sistema na po para (We have a system for) anyone who is being bullied in any of our hospitals can address grievances. Open kami sa Department of Health (We are open at the DOH), that they can complain to us," he said.
Herbosa issued the statements in response to reports received by Senator Raffy Tulfo about bullying incidents that happened in different hospitals within Metro Manila, that allegedly caused cases of suicide and depression among medical professionals.
Tulfo recently filed a resolution seeking to investigate reports of bullying in the hospital hierarchy, which he said poses a threat to the physical, psychological and mental health and safety of affected medical workers and professionals.
He noted that those affected by bullying are clerks, interns, residents, nurses and other medical professionals. (PNA)
