Secret health facility exclusive for Chinese discovered in Parañaque

The local government of Parañaque discovered an illegal health facility exclusive for Chinese nationals where unregistered medicines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and sexually transmitted diseases were also found.

According to a report of GMA News’ Jonathan Andal in Unang Balita on Monday, the city health office inspected the establishment in Barangay Baclaran.

Authorities found medical equipment such as treatment beds, chairs, and IV stands.

Aside from these, they also discovered a pharmacy inside the establishment where unregistered medicines labeled in Chinese characters without English translation were found.

The medicines are for sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, dengue, and COVID-19.

City health officer Dr. Olga Virtusio said the Chinese health facility accommodates Chinese nationals, possibly, including workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city.

“Apparently, they treat their own. Madaming nakakakita na maraming pumupunta. Kumukuha ng gamot at may pumapasok, in and out, naka-dextrose,” Virtusio said.

“Most probably they are really catering to the POGOs around,” she added.

Parañaque City administrator Ding Soriano said the establishment was previously used by a travel agency.

Barangay Baclaran chairman Jun Sayde said the Chinese facility was probably also utilized in managing human trafficking workers considering the unregistered medicines for STDs found inside the building.

“Hindi malayo na itong mga gamot na ito ay ginagamit din ho sa human trafficking para magamot ‘yung mga kababaihan,” he said.

Virtusio was also alarmed by the poor management of waste in the facility.

Since it has no license to operate, the city health office closed the establishment, which has been operating for three weeks.

Near the Chinese health facility, the authorities also found a house where more unregistered drugs were found. They encountered a Chinese caretaker of the residence, who failed to show required documents.

Another clinic was also discovered in the area with unregistered medicines. Authorities came across a Chinese doctor at the health facility. He said they only cater to Chinese nationals.

The television report said the Philippine National Police, Food and Drug Administration, and the city government will discuss possible legal actions against these facilities.—AOL, GMA News