Panabo City Hospital Issues Urgent Warning Over Fake Medical Document Scam
Rivera Medical Center, Inc., a prominent hospital located in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, has issued a critical public advisory regarding fraudulent activities involving counterfeit medical documents. The hospital's warning, released on April 4, 2026, highlights a disturbing incident where a falsified statement of account (SOA) bearing the hospital's official name was used to illicitly solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting individuals and various organizations.
Hospital Urges Vigilance Against Fraudulent Solicitations
"We urge everyone to remain vigilant and help prevent fraudulent activities," the hospital stated emphatically in its advisory. The medical center has provided clear guidelines for the public to follow in order to avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes. Specifically, they advise verifying the authenticity of any medical documents presented, coordinating directly through official hospital contact channels, and refraining from making any payments without proper validation and confirmation.
The hospital further clarified its stringent internal procedures for issuing documents related to financial assistance, particularly those intended for government agencies. In-house social workers conduct thorough assessments and personal interviews with patients before any official documents are released, ensuring a legitimate and transparent process. Rivera Medical Center has made it unequivocally clear that it will pursue all available legal actions against individuals involved in fraudulent activities utilizing falsified documents and misrepresentation of the hospital's name.
Official Verification Channels and Previous Scam Warnings
To assist the public in verifying documents, Rivera Medical Center has directed individuals to contact its dedicated hotline at (084) 628-5234 local 144 or to visit its Billing or Social Service Office in person. This proactive measure aims to provide a reliable method for confirming the legitimacy of any solicitations claiming association with the hospital.
This incident is not isolated within the region. Earlier, the Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) also issued a public warning about scammers posing as agency officials to solicit money and personal information. The health department reported receiving multiple complaints about individuals falsely claiming to be the regional director or authorized representatives, seeking donations or sensitive details through phone calls, text messages, and social media platforms.
In a related precedent from December 2024, DOH-Davao had to clarify that it maintains only one official Facebook page after a fraudulent account promoted a bogus medical product falsely claiming to cure chronic sleep disorders. These repeated warnings underscore a persistent pattern of healthcare-related scams in the area, highlighting the critical need for public awareness and caution.
