DOH warns health workers vs gifts from pharma firms

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded healthcare workers that accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for promoting their products is unethical.

The DOH on Monday issued a memorandum on upholding ethical standards following reports of pharmaceutical firms offering privileges to medical professionals and using multi-level marketing tactics to promote prescriptions. 

“Societal pressures, financial gains and administrative exigencies shall not compromise the rights of the patient to quality healthcare service,” the memorandum read. 

“The DOH strictly reminds all doctors, nurses, medical professionals, and DOH personnel in medical centers and facilities regulated by the DOH that the acceptance of gifts, grants or any emoluments from biopharmaceutical companies or members of the industry, in exchange of any act benefiting such company or member of the industry is unethical,” it added. 

The health department directed medical professionals to adhere to The Mexico City Principles of Voluntary Codes of Business Ethics in the Biopharmaceutical Sector and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. — Gaea Katreena Cabico