Starting next
September, pharmaceutical companies will no longer give doctors and healthcare
professionals freebies and junkets in exchange for promoting their products.
This is part of an effort to raise the standards in the relationship
between the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP)
released a newly revised Code of Practice banning their member-companies from
giving gifts.
“The Code does not allow company-sponsored entertainment at events, and
providing or offering personal gifts to healthcare professionals… The Code
similarly prohibits entertainment, leisure and social activities to healthcare
professionals and other stakeholders,” PHAP said in a statement.
“The revised Code also covers any activity undertaken, organized or
sponsored by a member-company that is directed at healthcare professionals to
promote the prescription, recommendation, supply, administration or consumption
of its pharmaceutical products through all methods of communication, including
the internet.”
All 44 PHAP member-companies must abide by the Code.
The Code of Practice was revised after the association adopted the
Mexico Declaration on Ethical Marketing Practices, which was discussed in the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting last year in Hawaii.
Specifically, the code prohibits pharmaceutical firms from conducting
events in “prestigious or luxurious venues,” saying that company-sponsored
events should be “conducive to the scientific or educational objectives of the
meeting.”
Under the revised code, employees of PHAP companies must learn to
distinguish between personal gifts and promotional aids.
High standards of
practice
“All medical, dental and veterinary practitioners, including private
practitioners, shall write prescriptions using the generic name. The brand name
may be included if so desired,” according to Section 38 of Republic Act 9502 or
the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008.
In the last few years, prices of medicine were going down. “Pricing is
a function of competition and with the entry of many generics over the last few
years, prices have significantly moved downwards,” PHAP said in a e-mail to GMA
News.
"Even before the revision of the Code, PHAP does not allow entertainment,
giving of personal gifts and conduct of meetings in luxurious venues. By so
doing, we ensure that interactions are professional, ethical and
appropriate," the association said.
Dr. Oscar Tinio, president of the Philippine Medical Association, declined
to comment on this development, saying he needs to get familiar with the new
PHAP policy.
PHAP executive director Reiner W. Gloor noted the policy change is
important for both the medical community and pharmaceutical industry.
“Our adherence to the revised code exemplifies our commitment to
continue building trust with the healthcare community and the patients,” he
added.
“PHAP calls on physicians, nurses, and other companies to ensure
adherence to equally high standards of practice throughout the healthcare
sector,” the association said.
Rouchelle Dinglasan
GMA News
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