The Department of Health (DOH) will not tolerate any administrative violations by healthcare institutions, emphasized Secretary Ted Herbosa in a recent statement amid complaints regarding the “Palit Ulo” incident at Ace Medical Center in Valenzuela City.
The DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations against the private hospital, finding it liable for two cases while ruling it not guilty in two others due to the limitations of the DOH’s administrative powers.
Despite differing circumstances in the four cases, they shared similar allegations of the hospital unlawfully detaining patients’ relatives until outstanding medical bills were settled.
This practice, known as “Palit Ulo,” required family members to leave a substitute behind if they wished to exit the hospital.
Furthermore, Secretary Herbosa urged concerned parties to bring any legal violations to the appropriate courts for judicial intervention beyond the agency’s authority.