Health officials and medical stakeholders met with the Cebu Provincial Board on July 13 to discuss standardized guidelines for medical missions in the province.
The meeting took place during the board’s regular session in Lapu-Lapu City. It was sponsored by Board Member Stanley S. Caminero, who said the proposed ordinance aims to create a single process for handling mission requests.
Caminero noted that organizers currently submit proposals to different offices. He said the measure would also protect patients and medical teams by requiring coordination with local governments and licensed professionals.
Lawyer Marc Phua of the Cebu Medical Society pointed out that existing Department of Health and PhilHealth policies already guide such activities. Dr. Sheila Faciol of the Cebu Provincial Health Office highlighted gaps, including the lack of an accreditation system for mission groups.
Board Member Kerrie Keane Shimura said the proposal will undergo further committee deliberations.
