HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has ordered an investigation on alleged unethical pharmaceutical marketing practices by a particular drug distribution company run by physicians.
Herbosa had a coordination meeting with regulatory and professional bodies with jurisdiction and of concern, respectively.
Present were the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led by Director-General Samuel A. Zacate, and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Medicine led by Chair Zenaida L. Antonio. Also in attendance as resource organizations were the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) through its Commission on Ethics, and the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA).
The DOH through the FDA and the DOH Public Health Ethics Committee (PHEC), as well as the PRC agreed to form a Joint Committee for Investigation (JCI), to which they will also invite the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The JCI will help reduce redundancy and expedite due process requirements regarding the many allegations aired at the Senate hearing, ensuring that the integrity of the medical profession is protected while holding accountable those found to have violated pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
The JCI will also be seeking inputs and comments from professional bodies like the PMA and the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA). Legal advisers of the JCI are also looking into possible mechanisms to protect whistleblowers so that they may provide actionable information and evidence.
Meanwhile, all who may have information that may help the investigation are encouraged to contact the FDA Field Regulatory Operations Office (FROO) via tel. (02) 8842-5635 or email fdac@fda.gov.ph.
