Social Responsibility

2005

Janix M. De Guzman, MD

Against the Odds 

            In 2003, the Department of Surgery, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center took a new journey and defied the odds. We diverted from the usual practice of routine circumcision and became the first and only Department of Surgery against routine circumcision in the Philippines. The decision to take up this stand did not come easy. We searched, reviewed and analyzed the literatures available even conducted a debate. We believed that routine circumcision does not offer medical benefit compared that from having been uncircumcised. In the Philippines, wherein 85% of prepubertal male populations were subjected to routine circumcision, this procedure became a tradition perhaps ritual is a more appropriate term usually conducted during the months of April to May performed by medical and non-medical personnel. As doctors we must follow the golden rule “Primum, non nocere” (First, do no harm) meaning we should not do anything if not indicated for we could spill more harm than good. Remember that circumcision though considered minor is still a surgical procedure and does not come without any possible complications. Then who’s to blame if unwanted risks arise, the doctor, the patient, or the parents? As doctors it is invested upon us the duty not only to treat but also to educate the general public. With all the wisdom and knowledge earned through years of continuous education, the general public have high respects in our profession. Hence, the Department Surgery, OMMC realizing this grand role in its community has boldly stand-up and committed to this advocacy. No matter how much criticism it will receive as long as we do good and prevent harm on this young patients, respect their rights, and give them their right to choose in due to time.

            Since then an intensified public education ensued through mass media. Our chairman, Dr. Reynaldo O. Joson, who is the man behind this advocacy even created a website (http://xtulepinoy.tripod.com) solely for the purpose of extending information to the public in general.  

            This year due to increasing awareness on our advocacy of “No to Routine Circumcision”, I was invited and interviewed in different television and radio programs to share and give some light on our practice so the public may know that they have a choice.

Listing of Television and Radio appearances and interviews:

            March 31, 2005 – Insider, Channel 2

            April 09, 2005 – Radio Mindanao Netrwork

            May 10, 2005 – ANC News, Healthwatch