Maritime Health Experts Collaborate for Seafarers' Safety and Well-being

Seventeen esteemed Maritime professionals and Health medical experts united with a shared vision, leading to the establishment of the Philippine of Maritime Society Health Physicians (PSMHP). These experts have various accreditations such as the NIS, UK-MCA, DIS, Panama, Liberia, and P&l clubs, while some of them also have a Master's Degree in Maritime Health. They have played a crucial role in ensuring the deployment of healthy and seaworthy seafarers, a cornerstone in maintaining the Philippines' position as the global hub for maritime personnel.

The society also encompasses professionals involved in the comprehensive care of post- medical and repatriation cases. "It's a holistic organization," remarked Dr. Clarissa Mendoza, President of both the society and MARCDOC, during a recent meeting. "It covers the entirety of a seafarer's career journey, from pre-employment assessments to onboard consultations employment telemedical and post evaluations, including medical repatriation services."

Dr. Jeriberto De Guzman, President of AMECO, and Drs. Marcel Alcaraz, Joseph Bien Abesamis and Paul Teves, members of the board, echoed her sentiments. Mendoza emphasized PSMHP's vision to emerge as the preeminent group of experts dedicated to enhancing Maritime Health and safety in the West Pacific. The organization reflects the Philippines' commitment to complying with the ILO Convention, ensuring that medical professionals responsible for declaring seafarers fit are well-versed in the demands of life at sea and the requisite health and safety standards.

"We are enthusiastic about the wealth of knowledge and experience these doctors bring to the organization, anticipating a positive impact on the nation's maritime sector," the doctors concluded.