TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- A district hospital chief and two doctors in Cagayan were issued a 45-day preventive suspension over allegedly cheating Philhealth claims.
In a press release, the Cagayan Provincial Information Office (CPIO) said Governor Manuel Mamba ordered the preventive suspension of Matilde A. Olivas District Hospital Chief Doctor Belma Barrientos and doctors Rosette De Leon and Jane Berona from September 25 to November 9.
Philhealth alleged that the involved doctors altered laboratory tests to suit their diagnosis and to be able to collect a bigger sum of money from Philhealth claims.
CPIO said Governor Mamba has already formed investigating team to look into the allegations of dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prejudicial conduct in the government against the three doctors.
It added that the PhilHealth accreditation of the said hospital is in jeopardy because of the case.
Governor Mamba said the doctors will be met with administrative and criminal charges should the allegations be proven during the investigation.
Doctor Marcos Mallillin has been appointed as Officer-in-Charge of the district hospital, CPIO said.
The Northern Forum is still trying to reach the three doctors for comments. Northernforum.net
