MANILA, Philippines – Idedetalye ng mga whistleblower ang umano’y “pyramiding scheme” ng isang pharmaceutical firm sangkot ang mga doktor, sa pagdinig ng Senado na nakatakda sa susunod na linggo, ayon kay Senador JV Ejercito.
Sinabi niya na nalaman niya ang patungkol sa umano’y modus ng Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. dalawa o tatlong buwan na ang nakalilipas. Isinagawa ang imbestigasyon patungkol dito kung saan sangkot umano ang isang pharmaceutical company na naghihikayat sa mga doktor sa “luxurious” gifts o insentibo para ireseta ang kanilang mga produkto sa mga pasyente.
“This has to be investigated by the Senate. I have already prepared a draft resolution that will be filed as we resume session on Monday (April 29),” ani Ejercito.
Idinagdag din niya na lubhang nakababahala ang report lalo na kung mayroong paglabag sa ethical standards ng mga doktor dahil sa conflicts of interest.
Karamihan umano sa mga nireresetang gamot ay para sa hypertension and diabetes.
“Quality drugs, most are for hypertension, diabetes, and others. The only problem is that there seems to be a conflict of interest and breach of ethical standards because the whistleblowers’ complaint is about doctors prescribing drugs… medicines that they themselves introduce, then they own the company,” paliwanag ni Ejercito.
Nauna nang nanawagan si health expert at advocate Dr. Tony Leachon sa Senado at Kongreso na silipin ang isyu na tinawag ng whistleblowers bilang “worse than Pharmally,” sangkot ang pharmaceutical company na umano’y nag-aalok ng financial incentives sa mga doktor na magrereseta o magrerekomenda sa kanilang mga gamot.
“I hope this is investigated. If this is investigated, in a Senate or Congressional hearing, it can be seen… This is really, really unacceptable. This is abominable. This is repulsive. This is highly irregular, highly irresponsible. This is highly criminal,” ani Leachon.
Naglabas na ang Department of Health (DOH) ng Department Circular No. 2024-0141, na nagpapaalala sa lahat ng medical professionals na “uphold professional and ethical standards.”
“The Department of Health (DOH) strictly reminds all doctors, nurses, medical professionals, and DOH personnel in medical centers, hospitals, and medical facilities regulated by the DOH that accepting gifts, grants, or any emoluments from Biopharmaceutical companies or members of the industry, in exchange for any act benefiting such company or member of the industry, is unethical,” read the Department Circular No. 2024-0141: Upholding Ethical Standards, Adhering to Medical City Principles for Business Ethics in the Biopharmaceutical Sector and Patients’ Rights and Reiteration of Administrative Order No. 2015-0053 “Implementing Guidelines on the Promotion And Marketing Of Prescription Pharmaceutical Products And Medical Devices,” saad sa memorandum na pirmado ni Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa nitong Lunes, Abril 22.
“Medical professionals are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards. The interest of the patient shall be paramount to any interest. Societal pressures, financial gains, and administrative exigencies shall not compromise the rights of the patient to quality healthcare service.” RNT/JGC
