Ilonggo docs meet head-on vs Cheaper Meds Bill
Tupas
In full support of the unwavering stance of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) against amendments introduced to the now highly-controversial "Cheaper Medicines Bill," Ilonggo doctors came out with the latest position.
Saying upfront that lack of political will and not the existing Generics Act is the problem, the medical professionals issued a statement under the Iloilo Medical Society (IMS). The IMS is the biggest organization of all practicing doctors in and out of government here led by Dr. Henry Tupas.
"As physicians we have to ensure that the medicines we give to our patients are effective and safe," the IMS statement sent to The News Today (TNT) went. "The Generics Acts of 1988 has been lauded as an effective tool for providing cheaper, effective and safe medicines. Sad to say, we note that the Act has not been fully implemented because of an inadequate regulatory environment and lack of resources. The problem is not the Generics Act; the problem is the lack of political will to implement it. There is no need to change or amend this Act."
And it is purely for the patients' sake, the IMS stressed, that the group is up against the House version that prohibits the branding of medicines during prescription.
"We are concerned that proposed amendments to the existing Generics Act found in the House version of the Cheaper Medicines Bill might erase measure designed to ensure patient safety. Disallowing doctors from making suggestions on the type of medicines that patients should take based upon their clinical judgment and experience might endanger patients' lives," the IMS statement continued. "This amendment shifts the final choice of the patients' medicines to the drugstore salespersons who lack the knowledge and training of a doctor and transfers accountability to them. Only physicians are accountable legally, morally and ethically for the success or failure of their patient's treatment."
One case gathered by TNT was the incident in Iloilo Doctor's Hospital where attention of hospital authorities was called by nurses here. The intravenous fluids (IV) or dextrose bought outside the hospital premises and given to hospital staff for use of the confined patient appeared to be "substandard." When reconstituted, the result was visibly disturbing, reports stated, with the IV turning black instead of the usual white or clear color.
TNT learned that the incident was repeated several times reason that alarmed hospital authorities decided to impose a "no outside medication or supplies for patient use" policy.
First District Board Member Mac Napulan a practicing doctor himself has since raised the same concern. Napulan in an interview expressed alarm in the lack of resources of the government's Bureau of Food and Drug Administration (BFAD) which he said "is certainly a valid issue that needs to be resolved."