DEMAND TRANSPARENCY IN THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

The Issue

On April 8, 2020, a report was published which quoted NCMH Chief Administrative Officer Clarita Avila on the escalating COVID-19 situation and the precarious working conditions of health professionals inside the National Center for Mental Health. The issue was further amplified when a post by an anonymous account made rounds on social media alleging violations against workers and patients and a lack of institutional preparedness in addressing the pandemic.

All allegations were denied by Dr. Rolando M. Cortez, the medical center chief of the hospital. The denial was followed by a gag memorandum given to Dr. Avila saying that she is not the official spokesperson of the institution which prevented her from communicating further with the media.

A few days after, the Manila Bulletin reported data coming from an unidentified source who disclosed that 49 employees were confirmed to be positive and 516 employees and patients were considered as suspected cases for COVID-19. Ten deaths were recorded thus far with 7 confirmed to be positive while 3 showed symptoms of COVID-19.


More than a week after raising the alarm, a department order from DOH dated March 9, 2020, was released on social media which ordered the reassignment of Avila to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Las Piñas. According to Cortez, who filed an earlier request for Avila’s reassignment on March 6, 2020 to DOH, the transfer was due to “unsatisfactory performance”. Another report cites “disrupting the center’s efforts towards refinement and reforms and deliberate disobedience of civil service directives” as the reason for the transfer.

A hospital order from NCMH regarding Avila’s reassignment was only dated on April 13, 2020. This was days after Dr. Avila spoke to the media regarding the alarming COVID situation inside NCMH. This sparked serious concerns regarding freedom of speech and the safety of patients and health workers which necessitates immediate action from the DOH and other stakeholders.


In line with this, we, mental health advocates and concerned citizens of the Philippines demand the following from the Department of Health:

  1. Investigate the alleged harassment and precarious working conditions of employees and patients inside the National Center for Mental Health and intervene as deemed appropriate
  2. Release the number and health status of all employees and patients who have been classified as confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of COVID-19
  3. Outline the specific reasons for Dr. Avila’s transfer from NCMH  to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATPC) to dispel allegations of harassment
  4. Publish a copy of the measures undertaken by the NCMH to protect patients and health workers from COVID-19

The recent passage of the Mental Health Law reaffirms the country’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all especially those with psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurological conditions. Ensuring that the National Center on Mental Health is transparent in its plans and non-arbitrary in its decision making is of prime importance to ensure the holistic wellbeing of all its patients, employees, and the general population.

Sources

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Akbayan YouthPetition Starter
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This petition had 6,735 supporters

The Issue

On April 8, 2020, a report was published which quoted NCMH Chief Administrative Officer Clarita Avila on the escalating COVID-19 situation and the precarious working conditions of health professionals inside the National Center for Mental Health. The issue was further amplified when a post by an anonymous account made rounds on social media alleging violations against workers and patients and a lack of institutional preparedness in addressing the pandemic.

All allegations were denied by Dr. Rolando M. Cortez, the medical center chief of the hospital. The denial was followed by a gag memorandum given to Dr. Avila saying that she is not the official spokesperson of the institution which prevented her from communicating further with the media.

A few days after, the Manila Bulletin reported data coming from an unidentified source who disclosed that 49 employees were confirmed to be positive and 516 employees and patients were considered as suspected cases for COVID-19. Ten deaths were recorded thus far with 7 confirmed to be positive while 3 showed symptoms of COVID-19.


More than a week after raising the alarm, a department order from DOH dated March 9, 2020, was released on social media which ordered the reassignment of Avila to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Las Piñas. According to Cortez, who filed an earlier request for Avila’s reassignment on March 6, 2020 to DOH, the transfer was due to “unsatisfactory performance”. Another report cites “disrupting the center’s efforts towards refinement and reforms and deliberate disobedience of civil service directives” as the reason for the transfer.

A hospital order from NCMH regarding Avila’s reassignment was only dated on April 13, 2020. This was days after Dr. Avila spoke to the media regarding the alarming COVID situation inside NCMH. This sparked serious concerns regarding freedom of speech and the safety of patients and health workers which necessitates immediate action from the DOH and other stakeholders.


In line with this, we, mental health advocates and concerned citizens of the Philippines demand the following from the Department of Health:

  1. Investigate the alleged harassment and precarious working conditions of employees and patients inside the National Center for Mental Health and intervene as deemed appropriate
  2. Release the number and health status of all employees and patients who have been classified as confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of COVID-19
  3. Outline the specific reasons for Dr. Avila’s transfer from NCMH  to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATPC) to dispel allegations of harassment
  4. Publish a copy of the measures undertaken by the NCMH to protect patients and health workers from COVID-19

The recent passage of the Mental Health Law reaffirms the country’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all especially those with psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurological conditions. Ensuring that the National Center on Mental Health is transparent in its plans and non-arbitrary in its decision making is of prime importance to ensure the holistic wellbeing of all its patients, employees, and the general population.

Sources

avatar of the starter
Akbayan YouthPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Department of Health - Philippines
Department of Health - Philippines
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Petition created on April 15, 2020