As a member of the medical community, the Medical Action Group is appalled and deeply saddened by the current distressing situation in Palestine, where healthcare facilities and workers are under attack. The ongoing bombing campaign by Israel has not only destroyed hospitals and clinics but has also claimed the lives of hundreds of healthcare workers, violating international humanitarian and human rights laws that protect health services during times of war.
The Medical Action Group (MAG) welcomes the long-anticipated decision of a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court to grant bail to former Senator Leila De Lima, signifying a legal triumph. While her temporary release represents a positive political development, MAG ardently urges the court for the expeditious dismissal of the remaining baseless charges lodged against her.
The Medical Action Group denounces any assaults on civilian populations and healthcare facilities, as these acts imperil the safety and medical well-being of innocent individuals including health workers and patients. The recent report of Israeli airstrikes targeting a Gaza City hospital, already filled with wounded civilians and those seeking refuge, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives, is deeply troubling.
The Medical Action Group (MAG) strongly condemns any form of harassment, threats, or intimidation directed toward medical and health professionals who are actively engaged in the pursuit of justice and truth. Recent events involving forensic expert, Dr. Raquel Fortun underscore the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of medical experts who play a vital role in uncovering the truth behind cases of alleged human rights violations and abuses.
The Medical Action Group (MAG) welcomes the appointment of Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, a renowned expert on emergency medicine and public-private partnership in health, as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).
The Department of Health (DOH0 made a shocking announcement yesterday, May 16, 2023, that they are forming a technical working group together with PhilHealth to study the proposed transfer of the administrative supervision of our country’s national health insurance program to the Office of the President. Under existing laws, PhilHealth is attached to the DOH for policy coordination and guidance, especially towards the realization of universal healthcare.
The people’s health and strengthening the public health system are among the most immediate areas needing attention by the Marcos administration since reeling the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
The Medical Action Group, (MAG) denounces the recent pronouncement of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designating Dr. Natividad “Naty” Castro as a “terrorist” in its Resolution No. 35. Dr. Castro, a community physician was arrested in February 2022 on kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges but later the charges against her were junked by the court and ordered her immediate release.
The MEDICAL ACTION GROUP (MAG), a health and human rights organization based in the Philippines, is deeply concerned over the continuing attack against health workers worldwide. MAG believes that any attack against health workers or health facilities is against human rights and humanitarian laws and therefore an affront to humanity.
Public health is more than the services and facilities it provides. It is also about the organized efforts and informed choices of everyone, public and private, communities, and individuals in improving the country’s health outcomes. Health is after all a basic human right.