Guidelines

These guidelines apply to foreign surgical and medical missions (FSSMs) in the Philippines. For details, please read the guidelines written by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

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For other issues, please read our FAQs.

The process

Process must commence at least 90 days before mission date.

Overview for individuals:

  • Foreign organizations/medical professionals submit applications for permits to PMA;
  • PMA submits application forms to Specialty Societies;
  • Upon approval by the specialty societies, PMA sends applications to Department of Health (DOH);
  • The DOH then sends an endorsement letter to the PRC;
  • The PRC issues Special Temporary Permit for each missioner.

Overview for medical supplies/equipment:

  • Applicant missioners inform the PMA;
  • PMA informs the DOH;
  • DOH facilitates approval of goods through its Food and Drug Administration and Bureau of Health Devices and Technology;

The documents

All documents must be submitted to the PMA.

For individuals:

  1. Photocopy of valid/current license from country of origin
  2. Photocopy of board certification (specialty)
  3. Curriculum vitae
    • Items 1 to 3 must be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate Office in the country of origin.
  4. Passport sized pictures in four (4) copies (taken within one year)
  5. Application letter addressed to the President of PMA to contain the following information:
    1. type of mission (medical, surgical or both)
    2. duration of the mission and inclusive dates
    3. names and specialties of the mission team members
    4. written consent from the host local government executive (governor/mayor) and/or chief of the health facility where the mission will be conducted.
  6. Letter of certification from the sponsoring host organization (LGU or NGO) certifying the need and type of mission to be conducted. Cost of post-care mission of morbidities/mortalities arising from the mission will be shouldered as well by the host organization.
  7. Proof of juridical entity (certified true copy of the SEC registration must be submitted).
  8. Notarized letter of Guarantee from both the medical mission group and host organization assuming full responsibility for the outcome of the missions.

For medical supplies/equipment:

  1. Itemized list of the items together with the quantity and the expiration dates for drugs and medicines;
  2. Flight details;
  3. Deed of donation authenticated at the country of origin;
  4. Deed of acceptance from the host hospital/LGU;
  5. Drugs and medicines to be donated should have a shelf life of at least 12 months upon arrival in the country and said medicine shall be used solely for the scheduled mission;
  6. Application must be submitted 60 days before the date of mission to facilitate clearance/s from DOH and other agencies.

The Post

A post-mission report is required.

  1. Number and ages of cases seen,
  2. Diagnoses of patients,
  3. List of medicines distributed and surgical interventions done,
  4. Endorsements to the necessary health facilities (follow-up, further evaluation and management),
  5. Morbidities and moralities if any.

This report must be written by the head of mission, noted by the local counterpart, and submitted within 15 days of mission to PMA, DOH, and PRC. Make 3 copies!