WE SUPPORT and join the call to STOP the PRIVATIZATION of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.
In the Philippines,around 70% of the population, or some 66 million Filipinos, are living off less than P104 per person per day. The majority are so poor that they cannot afford adequate medical attention.
It is, therefore, a CRIME OF NEGLECT for the government to privatize this government hospital. The Philippine government would be reneging on its constitutional obligation to take care of the basic needs of the people, one of which is adequate medical care.
Church doctrines identify the following as basic human needs: peace, housing, food, religious freedom, work, education, and health care. The responsibility for attaining the common good, besides falling to individual persons, belongs also to the State, since the common good is the reason that the political authority exists (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1910).
We therefore say, “Instead of privatizing government hospitals,BUILD MORE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, especially in the rural areas! Moreover, strengthen the program to mobilize young doctors, nurses and other caregivers to the rural areas before they go abroad.”
It is the poor workers, farmers, and fisherfolk who provide the BASIC NEEDS of Philippine society (FOOD and SERVICES). If they are healthy, the Philippines will be healthy.
As Christ lives,
+ GERARDO A. ALMINAZA, D.D.
Bishop, Diocese of San Carlos
Head Convenor, Visayas Clergy Discernment Group
Head Convenor, Church People and Workers Solidarity
visayasclergydiscernment@yahoo.com
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