DOH set to probe pharma firm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) are set to conduct an investigation on the alleged unethical practices of a local pharmaceutical company owned by physicians.

The DOH, through its public health ethics committee and the FDA, 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.

“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 DOH said in a statement.

It added that the JCI will also be seeking inputs and comments from professional bodies like the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Pharmacists Association and Philippine Hospital Association (PHA).

“Legal advisers of the JCI are also looking into possible mechanisms to protect whistleblowers so that they may provide actionable information and evidence,” said the DOH.

This developed after the Senate on April 30 conducted a hearing on the alleged unethical marketing practices by Bell-Kenz Pharmaceutical Inc. that is being run by physicians.

Immediately after that, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa led a coordination meeting with regulatory and professional bodies. Present were FDA director-general Samuel Zacate and PRC Board of Medicine chairperson Zenaida Antonio. Also in attendance as resource organizations were the PMA, through its Commission on Ethics, and the PHA.

The DOH also urged the public, particularly those who have information that may help the investigation, to contact the FDA Field Regulatory Operations Office.

Meanwhile, the legal counsel of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. said there is nothing unethical in what the company is doing.

“What they are doing is not unethical. The doctors’ prescription is based on laboratory tests and (clinical) assessments and financial or personal interest has never been considered,” lawyer Dez Perlez said in a radio interview