NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents busted a medical clinic allegedly prescribing unregistered medicines exclusively to Chinese clients believed to be employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and in Manila for some quickie “R&R” (rest and recreation).
This occurred as the National Bureau of Investigation–Laguna District Office (NBI-LAGDO) executed a search warrant against Mastercare MDC Inc. in San Isidro, Makati City, for violating Republic Act No. 3720 as amended by R.A. 9711 (Food and Drug Act of 2009).
The operation stemmed from information received by the NBI that a Chinese national identified as “Dr. Yu” is conspiring with some Filipinos to sell unregistered medicines at Mastercare.
The information also revealed that this clinic caters only to Chinese patients and that unregistered medicines are stored and prescribed there, as reported by abogado.com
Acting on this information, NBI-LAGDO immediately conducted surveillance operations and test-buys, which confirmed the veracity of the claims.
Verification with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the purchased medicines during the test-buy showed that these were unregistered.
In the second test-buy, the poseur-patient, a Chinese-Filipino agent, had a medical checkup at Mastercare and was prescribed several medicines with Chinese markings.
Further verification with concerned government agencies disclosed that Mastercare is not a licensed health facility as per certification by the Department of Health (DOH).
It was also discovered that Mastercare is registered as a corporation with Korshed Alam, a Bangladesh national, as its president, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
During the recent operation, NBI agents seized the unregistered medicines and documents from Mastercare.
All of the staff found inside the clinic, including two physicians and four foreigners, were invited for further investigation.
However, two Chinese nationals, identified as alias Zhihe Yu and Jingfang Wu, who were allegedly practicing medicine in the clinic, evaded the raiding team.
The four foreigners found inside Mastercare have been turned over to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
