MANILA, Philippines — Belkens Pharmaceutical Company does not use multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes and sells its medicines at lower prices compared to other brands, said cardiologist and CEO Luis. Dr. Raymond Go said.
At a Senate Health Committee hearing yesterday, Go denied allegations that Belkenz compensates doctors in the form of cash, luxury cars and other lavish gifts in exchange for prescriptions for Belkenz drugs.
He also highlighted that Berkenz has significantly reduced and lowered the prices of maintenance drugs.
“Those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease only need to spend P128.15 per day, saving P445.50 to P4,600.50 per month and P11,286 to P55,206 annually,” he said.
Mr. Goh, who was shown the Berkenz check paid by the doctor, clarified that the check was not a commission or incentive, but a discount to quickly pay for drugs ordered for a doctor who runs multiple pharmacies. .
He also revealed that the Mercedes-Benz cars cited by senators as evidence of incentives and commissions for doctors to buy from Berkenz were purchased from the company.
Mr Goh said the “misinformation” and “baseless” allegations against the company “undermine the credibility and integrity of medical professionals” and “undermine the public's trust in medicine”.
“Belkenz affirms that it is a compliant company that abides by the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Medical Association, and other relevant governing bodies,” he said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked Goh about the benefits the company gives to doctors, but a pharmaceutical official said, “We provide continuing medical education to doctors both domestically and internationally, and sometimes provide medical facilities.'' We also provide.”
“Traveling abroad?” Estrada asked.
Goh said yes, but claimed he had no car, no money, and no expensive watches like a Rolex.
Estrada said documents he collected showed some doctors received SUVs and luxury cars, and he was not satisfied that the perks were limited to international trips and simple gifts.
“Can I tell you the names of the doctors based in Bulacan who drive Maseratis? Other cardiologists based in Baguio City drive BMWs, Audis, and other SUVs.” Estrada said.
The senator said there was no problem with the quality of the drugs Belkenz sells, but Belkenz allegedly prescribes drugs to make money even when patients don't need them.
Go, a cardiologist at the Philippine Heart Center, admitted that 90% of his prescription drugs were provided by Belkenz, which the senator considered a conflict of interest.
Mr. Estrada directed Go to submit to the Senate a list of members and medicines manufactured and imported overseas.
Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairman Jose Cueto Jr. said that if the accusations are true, there is a provision in Republic Act No. 2382 that makes violation of the Code of Ethics for Physicians one of the grounds for discipline, suspension, and license revocation. Said to be included.
“At this point we cannot answer definitively, but as I said, it will be based on the evidence that is collected in the future. Therefore, the provisions of the law that the investigating medical board can use as a basis. “There are enough of them,” he said.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said: “If the gift is so outrageous, it is up to China to revoke the license.”
He also said, “If a doctor does not have a pharmacy license, he or she cannot sell medicine,” and he also cannot prescribe medicine that is purchased from a doctor.
Sen. Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said the Senate would hold him accountable for what he sees as the exploitation of patients who are forced to follow doctors' prescriptions even though they are more expensive than other drugs. Stated.
“The problem here is that treatment has become a business, not a health benefit. Making money. At the end of the day, patients, especially the poor, are the losers. That's why I think doctors are “When we do this, we should prioritize what will heal and improve the patient, what will treat the patient,” he said.
Physician and public health advocate Antonio Rison called the Berkenz drug company's “prescription sales” controversy the biggest medical corruption scandal of our time.
