By Dr. Felipe Muñoz Schwarz, Vice President Medical Federation of Chile
As a Federation that groups private health associations, we have been categorical in which sanctions and models of persecution are established to all those who dedicate themselves to the fraudulent issuance of medical licenses. The consequences that derive from these practices severely damage the health system and reduce the correct allocation of resources for patients who need it most. However, we see with great concern that the way this procedure is being carried out is not adequate.
Our position is not contrary to the inspection and sanction of those who violate the system, but this cannot hinder medical work or limit the indication of rest of patients that requires it. It is imperative to have a process that guarantees minimal conditions for research, which implies clear criteria, known and accepted by the parties, timely notification, possibility of expedited appeal in adequate deadlines and knowledge of resolutions transparently.
A few weeks ago, our Federation gave public account of the repercussions that the modification to Law 20,585 would bring, indicating measures that was a set of and sanctions without guarantee of a fair process, violating the right to the rest of patients, delaying the payment processes of the subsidies of work disability, hindering medical practice and favoring insurance companies.
Today, as a guild, we consider that we urge a discussion that includes structural reforms of the medical licenses and subsidies of work disability, focusing on the persecution and sanction of professionals who extend fraudulent medical licenses. There is consensus with the Medical College of Chile in the vision of this reform, which motivates us to act as a united guild. For now, we confirm our willingness to participate in any instance of discussion on the subject.
Check out our visions section here
