HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has met with officials of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in a bid to lay down the framework for the conduct of an inquiry into the so-called “prescription-for-sale” controversy.
The meeting came in the wake of a Senate hearing on the alleged multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme involving Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., and some physicians.
FDA spokesperson Pamela Sevilla said t even before the Senate probe, they have already named agencies or departments which should be responsible for the violations of those involved in this unethical and potentially illegal practice.
Meanwhile, Sevilla said it was still premature pinpoint responsibility for violations committed under the MLM scheme, adding several individuals might be affected.
She also urged the public to report to the FDA any information of those involved in the MLM scheme.
“Not only Bell-Kenz but other similar cases. In the meantime, their reporting will pertain to Bell-Kenz case as this was the focus of their investigation,” Sevilla said.
During the Senate hearing, Bell-Kenz Pharma chief executive officer Dr. Luis Go asserted that their company was not MLM firm. He said they sell medicines at lower cost compared to other brands.
Go also belied allegations that Bell-Kenz gives doctors cash, expensive cars and other luxury gifts in return for prescribing the drug firm’s medicines. It was reported that doctors who reached the quota set by Bell-Kenz were gifted with Rolex watches and Lexus cars. Go also belied this allegation.
Sevilla guaranteed they won’t come out with their findings in the probe without the concurrence of the other legal teams of the concerned departments.
Herbosa was joined by FDA director-general Samuel Zacate, and the PRC Board of Medicine led by chair Zenaida Antonio, along with leaders of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Hospital Association.
Earlier, the DOH said through the Father DOH Public Health Ethics Committee and the PRC that they have agreed to form a joint panel to investigate the issue. They will also invite the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), saying the matter is involved MLM scheme.
The DOH said the panel will help reduce redundancy and expedite due process requirements regarding the many allegations aired during 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 probe body will also seek inputs and comments from professional bodies like the PMA and the Philippine Pharmacists Association.
Legal advisers of the panel are also looking into possible mechanisms to protect whistleblowers.