13/05/2024
Ayon sa Republic Act 6675 Section 6 "All medical, dental and veterinary practitioners, including private practitioners, shall write prescriptions using the generic name. The brand name may be included if so desired."
Nasa batas natin na DAPAT ilagay ang generic name ng gamot sa ating mga reseta. Ito po ay kasalukuyang binibigyang diin ng ating senado.
Amid pharmaceutical controversy,
B**g Go commends FDA and
demands medical community compliance
Senator Christopher "B**g" Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, lauded the efforts of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in enforcing regulations to ensure transparency in the medical community and avoid possible conflicts of interests involving doctors and the pharmaceutical industry.
This comes after the alleged questionable pharmaceutical practices involving Bell-Kenz Pharma. The pharmaceutical company is accused of providing lavish incentives to doctors for prescribing and promoting its medical related products and services.
Go emphasized the importance of the FDA's latest reminder to all stakeholders concerning the mandatory submission of financial reports and disclosure of financial relationships.
"The FDA has demonstrated commendable efficiency in implementing the Online Disclosure Reporting System (ODRS)," Go stated.
"This initiative is vital for maintaining the integrity of our healthcare system by ensuring that all financial relationships involving medical stakeholders are transparent and closely monitored," he added.
Under Section 35(b) of Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, on Ethics in Public Health Policy and Practice, the FDA states that "all FDA-licensed manufacturers, traders, repackers, distributor-importers, and distributor-wholesalers of drugs, medical devices, biological products, including vaccines, and medical supplies registered with the FDA must collect and track all financial relationships with healthcare providers and professionals, and report these to the Department of Health through the FDA."
The ODRS was established by the Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2021-0036, which laid down guidelines for stakeholders to submit all financial relationship disclosure reports conveniently through this system.
Bell-Kenz Pharma is accused of engaging in marketing operations where favored doctors, some of them allegedly owning shares in the company, prescribe and aggressively encourage patients to buy prescription medicines manufactured by said company. Those who meet the desired "sales quota" were allegedly awarded with monetary perks, luxurious items, or sponsored foreign trips.
Having been vocal about the need for stringent reforms while there are ongoing investigations on allegations against the Bell-Kenz Pharma, Go stressed the necessity of compliance to existing rules and regulations. He also reiterated the necessity of prioritizing patient health, especially that of people with low incomes and indigents who can barely afford medications, over profits.
"Hindi po katanggap-tanggap kung may conflict of interest at paglabag sa ethical standards sa medical profession ang ganitong gawain dahil buhay po ng kapwa Pilipino ang nakasalalay dito,” asserted Go.
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing on April 30, Go called for comprehensive legislative reforms to ensure that the pharmaceutical industry operates within strict ethical and legal boundaries. He emphasized the need for a proactive rather than reactive approach from government agencies.
He also highlighted the need for legislation in the country similar to the U.S. Stark Law, which would prohibit doctors from referring patients to entities such as medical facilities with which they or their immediate family members have financial ties.
"We will continue to monitor this issue to protect our patients. Hindi pa tayo tapos dito. This scheme and other unethical schemes must stop," Go affirmed during the hearing.
