Heart Center addresses viral doctor-patient overcharging case

The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) said it is reaching out with both the doctor and the patient involved in a recent viral social media post over an alleged overcharging issue.

"We are extending all manner of professional and ethical assistance to both," PHC said in a statement on Monday.

PHC's statement came after former journalist Ramon Tulfo on social media accused a surgeon of charging an excessive professional fee.

Tulfo said the PHC surgeon was allegedly charging his friend's mother P85,000 in professional fee, which brought her total hospital bill to P110,000.

"The Philippine Heart Center stands in solidarity with our doctors, patients, staff, and the community," PHC saids.

"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to provide professional patient-focused care with the highest standards of excellence, integrity, compassion, and respect at all times," it added.

The PHC also reiterated that all physicians swear "requires respect for the secret confined by patients as part of our solemn dedication to the service of humanity."

"Philippine law protects this confidence between a doctor and his patient: the Data Privacy Acts protects the rights of both."