Probe into reported doctor – pharma prescription connivance pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito is eyeing an investigation on the possible “violation of ethical standards of medical practices” following reports that some physicians and pharmaceutical firms are conspiring in terms of prescribing medicines.

Health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon on Tuesday detailed the alleged practice, explaining that pharmaceutical firms are recruiting and generously rewarding doctors based on the volume of prescription.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Ejercito said he is well aware of the issue because he was approached by some pharmaceutical companies and “some whistleblowers” who then disclosed to him the alleged practice

“This has to be investigated. I already prepared a draft resolution which will be filed as we resume session this Monday. Naka prepare na po ang draft, actually lumabas lang po siya ngayon sa media, but mga two or three months ago we already knew about it and we did some research,” said Ejercito.

(This has to be investigated. I already prepared a draft resolution which will be filed as we resume session this Monday, April 29. The draft is already prepared, actually it only came to light in the media recently, but we already knew about this two to three months ago and we did some research.)

According to Ejercito, there appears to be a “conflict of interest and breach of ethical standards” if some physicians are doing such acts.

“We will look into it kung talagang may violation sa ethical standards of medical practices at ‘yun nga, ‘yung conflict kasi nga po kung ikaw pasyente, kung ano ang prescribed ng doctor syempre susunod ka eh. Lalo na sa probinsya,” he added.

(We will look into it if there is, indeed, a violation of ethical standards of medical practices. The conflict is that if you are the patient, you will heed to what was prescribed to you by your doctor. Especially those who are in the province.)

Earlier, the Department of Health said doctors who have been proven to accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for prescribing certain products may face suspension or revocation of their licenses. 

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the agency is now investigating reports that some physicians are committing such practices.