Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2493)
The main purpose is to amend Act No. 310 regulating the practice of medicine and surgery in the Philippines, repeal certain earlier acts, and to provide for the examination and registration of nurses.
The Board consists of three physicians, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, who are authorized to practice medicine in the Philippines, graduates from a legally chartered medical college or school holding a degree of doctor or licentiate of medicine.
No, members of the faculty of any school, college, or university teaching any branch of medicine are not eligible for appointment to the Board.
Members hold office for three consecutive years, with the first set of appointees serving for one, two, and three years respectively.
The Board organizes examinations for candidates desiring to practice medicine, issues certificates of registration to those who pass the examinations, maintains records of registered physicians, and may revoke certificates for just cause.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, in good physical health and moral character, be graduates of a recognized school of nursing with a two and a half year course in a hospital with essential departments, and have dormitory residence during instruction.
No, it is unlawful to practice as a physician or nurse in any branch without holding a proper certificate of registration issued under this Act.
Violators may be fined up to three hundred pesos, imprisoned up to ninety days, or both, at the court's discretion.
Subjects include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, materia medica and therapeutics, pathology and bacteriology, hygiene, surgery, practice of medicine, obstetrics, tropical medicine, diseases of women and children, diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the eye, throat, and ear, and medical jurisprudence.
Yes, the Board may refuse or revoke certificates for reasons including conviction of offenses involving immoral or dishonorable conduct, unprofessional conduct, or dishonorable behavior after due notice and hearing.
Foreign physicians currently practicing and those lawfully registered before the Act are exempted, and foreign specialists may be employed as technical officers or professors in medical specialties deemed necessary by the government.
No person shall advertise or use the titles 'Dr.,' 'M.D.,' or 'M.B.' without a legally conferred diploma or degree, and it is illegal to falsely represent having such a medical degree.
The Director of Health, with approval of the Secretary of the Interior, may remove Board members for continued neglect, incompetency, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct after giving opportunity to defend themselves.