HEAD condemns killing of Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas

Health Alliance for Democracy condemns the killing of Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, a dedicated community doctor serving in Sapad, Lanao Del Norte under the Doctors to the Barrios program by the Department of Health. The group calls on the Duterte government, the DOH, and the local government unit to thoroughly investigate the incident, go after the assailant/s and/or mastermind of the crime and accord the due penalty.

"Justice for Dr. Drey can also be served best if the government can assure the continuity of health services in the communities that he left and by addressing all obstacles to the delivery of health services including a secured environment for our health providers especially the volunteer doctors and nurses to the underserved areas," said Dr. Joseph Carabeo, HEAD Secretary General.

"While there will be chilling effects on present and future volunteers, we will not let this incident be used by the DOH to downsize further target volunteers and cut its budget allocation as it did in 2017, allegedly because there are few takers," Dr. Carabeo added. "Instead, the DOH should assert its protective, assuring, and influencing role for the unhampered delivery of service by its personnel."

HEAD will continue to exalt and support our heroes in health as they continue to serve in various difficult communities and dare turn their backs to the lure of lucrative practice in the city or abroad. Padayon gihapon!