Clear guidelines under Universal Healthcare Act sought
Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. (BKPI) is seeking clear guidelines under the Universal Healthcare Act in order not to leave doctors confused about where to submit a disclosure report if they own a pharmacy, laboratory center, or testing center.
“Ang kailangan lang po ay disclosure pero sa ngayon ay kulang pa o wala pong guidelines paano ba dapat i-disclose ng mga doktor o saan kung meron man siyang shares doon sa isang pharmacy, sa isang hospital, isang pharmaceutical company, o sa publiko. Wala nga pong guidelines,” said lawyer Dez Perlez, the spokesperson for Bell-Kenz, during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday.
She reiterated that owning a business as a doctor “is not illegal,” as well as prescribing products from Bell-Kenz.
This developed as BKPI is seeking protection for the medical practitioners against unwarranted accusations. Perlez, legal counsel of BKPI, shed light on the significant impact these accusations have made on the medical community during the weekly forum.
Perlez disclosed during the same event that some doctors now face imminent danger as their security is compromised due to the dissemination of their personal information, including vehicle details and images, on social media platforms. Consequently, legal action is now being explored against those responsible for circulating these defamatory posts. Furthermore, Perlez highlighted that several doctors have received threats to their lives as a result of these online attacks.
Clarifying misconceptions, Perlez emphasized that there is no conflict of interest in doctors owning businesses related to their profession. She underscored that existing laws do not prohibit medical professionals from having ownership stakes in hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic centers, or laboratory clinics.
Meanwhile, Dr. Luis Raymond Go, President of Bell-Kenz, underscored the unwavering commitment of doctors to prioritize patient care above financial gain.
“We doctors, our primary goal is not to earn but to serve our patients, meet their medical needs, and help them recover from their illnesses or ailments,” stated Go. He further reiterated the dedication of doctors to ensure the well-being of their patients, emphasizing his personal involvement in providing pro bono consultations as a cardiologist at the Philippine Heart Center.
In the same forum, Bell-Kenz Pharma’s chief executive officer, Luis Raymond Go, stated that, as a physician, he supports “whatever law [that] will come out” following the Senate hearing on April 30.
However, during the Senate committee on health hearing over the alleged “collusion” of the controversial drug firm and some doctors, Bell-Kenz admitted to only having submitted partial compliance in its reportial requirements to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the financial relationship with doctors.
The admission caught the attention of the Department of Health (DOH) and FDA.
“Well, we heard during our Senate hearing that the company invited there itself used the term ‘partial compliance,’ so we were quite surprised because we were hoping for full compliance,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo during a radio interview earlier, referring to the admission of Bell-Kenz.
FDA Reminder
When the Bell-Kenz issue emerged weeks ago, the FDA immediately issued an announcement to all pharma and other stakeholders on April 26, reminding them of the submission of their financial reports.
“Pursuant to Section 35 (b) of RA No. 11223 on Ethics on Public Health Policy and Practice, all FDA-licensed manufacturers, traders, repackers, distributor-importers, and distributor-wholesalers of drugs, medical devices, and biological products including vaccines, and medical supplies registered with the FDA are mandated to collect and track all financial relationships with healthcare providers and healthcare professionals and report these to the Department of Health, through the FDA,” read the FDA reminder signed by Director General Dr. Samuel A. Zacate on April 26.
Possible Administrative Case
This is why Domingo revealed that during the coordination meeting with the officials from FDA, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and attended by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) on May 2, they discussed possible actions they would take against Bell-Kenz and other non-compliant pharma companies and other stakeholders.
“Kasi pag walang parusa, baka hindi tayo sineseryoso,” Domingo said that non-compliant firms or doctors may face possible administrative sanctions.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his full support for an extensive and fair investigation into the alleged unethical practices of Bell-Kenz by the Senate blue ribbon committee. Being the Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Go emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the medical profession and maintaining the trust given to doctors.
He stressed the State’s obligation to safeguard the integrity of the public health system and ensure that medical professionals adhere to their ethical standards and existing laws.
“Walang masamang kumita but not at the expense of people’s health. Unahin natin ang kapakanan ng mga pasyente especially poor and indigent patients. Interes ng tao, interes ng bayan at ano ang katotohanan,” Go asserted.
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