PRC Licenses Under Scrutiny Amid Marketing Allegations
MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Erin Tañada recently filed a formal complaint urging the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to suspend or revoke the medical licenses of two doctors. This move is tied to allegations involving a multi-level marketing scheme that reportedly implicated these professionals.
The scheme centers on Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., a local pharmaceutical company accused of recruiting doctors to prescribe its medicines in exchange for commissions and luxury incentives. Such actions raise serious ethical and legal concerns about the misuse of medical authority.
“Doctors are sworn to protect life, not profit from patients by turning them into mere ‘sales targets,’” Tañada emphasized. He added that the poor suffer twice: first, from expensive branded medicines promoted through this scheme, and second, from the very doctors who should be defending their health.
Legal Violations and Calls for Broader Investigation
The complaint highlights possible breaches of several laws, including Republic Act 6675 (Generics Act), RA 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act), RA 11223 (Universal Health Care Act), and RA 11765 (Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act).
To ensure fairness, the identities of the two doctors have been withheld pending their response, sources noted. Meanwhile, Tañada has called on the PRC to extend its investigation to other medical professionals connected to Bell-Kenz.
“Ultimately, this is about restoring integrity to our healthcare system and ensuring that no patient is ever treated as a business opportunity again,” he stated.
Bell-Kenz’s Response and Next Steps
Bell-Kenz Pharma has denied the accusations of operating a “pyramiding scheme,” labeling the claims as “misinformed and unfounded” in an April 2024 statement. The company expressed its willingness to address the allegations through proper legal channels.
The case sheds light on the urgent need to protect patients from exploitation and uphold ethical standards among medical practitioners. The PRC’s response will be crucial in reinforcing trust in the healthcare system.
For more news and updates on doctors’ PRC licenses, visit Filipinokami.com.
