A ray of hope

Our country’s big pharmaceutical (multinational) companies are obviously monopolizing the market since time immemorial. I know that the government has been trying to resolve this problem but why is it taking sooo long? People are suffering from not being able to afford expensive medicines. What is the deal?

Do you know that the Philippines tops the list in Asia (Japan is No. 1) for having the most costly medicines? The "bigwigs" (pharmaceutical companies) claim that high costs are due to the importation of raw materials which are expensive. Whatever it is, there should be competition within the industry. I hope our local companies can start gearing up or else we should be allowed to import medicine na lang from other countries like Thailand, India, Pakistan and China – wag lang yung fake ha?

My friend who frequents Thailand told me that he buys his medicines in Thailand. The price difference is 3 times to 5 times (this can go as high as 45 times) more expensive in Manila. I am sure many people who can afford to travel or have friends abroad do the same – but what percent is that of the population. Hay naku! Here we go again, is this the government’s fault or what?

There is a coalition for cheaper medicines consisting of health workers and consumer groups who have been trying to resolve this issue. They are supporting a bill in the Senate that would amend local patent laws to keep them in sync with WTO rules, including clearly allowing parallel importation of drugs. The bill also seeks to shorten the period of patent protection, empower the local generic industry to experiment on drug formulas even before their patents expire, and deny new patent protection for slightly modified versions of a patented medicine.

Where is the bill? It is in the Senate. What is happening to the bill? It is being passed around to be signed – maybe already signed who knows. All we know is that our medicine "bills" are skyrocketing and are still expensive. Can’t the government or the Senate "bust the groove"? Let’s get some speed, some action. Helooo, are you still there?

* * *

I was invited to a U.S. Embassy cocktail last week. The newly installed Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney launched The ART in Embassies Program. This program promotes the cultural identity of America’s art and artists by borrowing original works of art by U.S. citizens for display in U.S. embassy residences worldwide. This is a good way to promote American art in the different countries. How I wish we would have steady programs like this in our own embassies abroad. This way we can promote our country.

How systematic and professional are the Americans. I believe we can still learn a lot from them. Let us humble ourselves and learn. Actually, we should learn from other countries. Masyado tayong hambog. Too much pride!

I must admit, I am not so much of a social person – I am actually the shy type – opposite my dad, hee! hee! Do not get me wrong, I guess I just have preconceived notions about social occasions. In many functions that I have attended, I always find many people superficial and dress to kill snobs. Yup! Not approachable and friendly. They look at you from head to toe assessing your looks (like detecting whether you had a face lift or lipo done) and your attire. This goes more for the ladies. The men are alright, in fact, they are the friendlier ones.

Anyway, I thought I would experience the same atmosphere of coldness in the residence of the U.S. Ambassador that night – guess what? I felt the very opposite. I have never felt such warmth as I have experienced that night in any embassy function. The Ambassador and her staff were very gracious and hospitable. The embassy staff went around. They made sure their guests were well taken cared of and were enjoying the night. They gave time to converse with their guests. They did not stay in a corner all into themselves (like Pinoys would do) they did their job quite well. The number of guests were just right so personal service or interaction could be done. The atmosphere reminded me of the comforts and care I received from my American (Rotary Club) foster parents in Pennsylvania when I was in high school. The Americans by nature are really very friendly and loving.

* * *

I visited the Heart of Mary Villa in Malabon City a few weeks ago. It is run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. It is a temporary shelter for unmarried pregnant women. It is also a temporary home for orphans waiting to be adopted. They also have a Damayan Center for the urban poor.

I went there to donate some baby clothes, household and food items with my two toddlers. It was my daughter’s 3rd birthday and instead of giving her a big party, we chose to celebrate it with the less fortunate. I had difficulty having my first child. I had to undergo the in vitro procedure twice until finally we had her. She was one of the two fertilized eggs left in the freezer storage for two years until the doctors thawed her and placed her in my uterus. I almost lost hope. I thought I would not be able to have children. There were two fertilized eggs placed in me, she was the one who survived, the other one did not survive. So, ever since we had her I promised myself to help the less fortunate. God had blessed me with this precious little child. And it seems that every year He gives me a gift of life. I have another boy now who just turned one year old and I am presently pregnant with my third child. I did not have to undergo in vitro anymore, the two came naturally.

Going back to the Heart of Mary Villa, I was so happy to see how well organized and clean the Villa is. I asked them how they are able to maintain their environment and meet their expenses, they said God just sends people to help them. Like during the time we visited them, they were almost running out of rice (for the volunteer workers) and milk (for the infants) – and those were two of the items I had brought. They believe it is divine intervention. I think so too.

We saw 14 little angels, all so beautiful and healthy some just waiting for their papers to be finalized until they can be picked up by their soon-to-be parents. In fact, on top of their cribs are pictures of their adoptive parents. I write about the Villa with a purpose of hopefully inspiring you to help the Good Shepherd Sisters of Malabon. Be happy and blessed by giving hope to others! (For more information you can call them at tel. nos. 227-0351; 446-7341 or visit them at 394 M.H. Del Pilar 1477 Maysilo, Malabon City).