THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday called on local government units (LGUs) to be more stringent in allowing free circumcision events, especially during the summer season.
In an online press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said LGUs must be stricter in allowing events such as “Operation Tuli”, which has been a staple during the summer season.
“To our LGUs, be more stringent in handling applications for medical missions in our areas,” Vergeire said on the heels of the death of a 13-year-old boy in Lucena, Quezon who was circumcised during an “Operation Tuli” event.
“Let us be very cautious. We must make sure that the standard quality of care will be followed,” she said, adding this includes having medical professionals handling actual circumcision procedures.
She said organizations conducting these events must have safe, sanitized, and proper equipment.
“Circumcision is really an out-patient procedure. This is being done even outside hospitals as long as the venue is clean and will be handled by medical professionals,” she said. “To organizations looking to hold such activities, let us make sure that we will follow the standard of quality care.”
Last Saturday, a 13-year-old boy bled to death after undergoing circumcision procedure in Lucena, Quezon organized by the Scout Royale Brotherhood.
Vergeire said the DOH is conducting an investigation of the incident.
“Our regional office is already in coordination with the local government unit for the conduct of an investigation,” said Vergeire.
