In a powerful Senate hearing in the Philippines on April 30, Senator Raffy Tulfo exposed alleged corruption behind a multi-level marketing scheme linked to Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. and several medical practitioners.
Facing the Senate Committees on Health, Tourism, and Finance, Senator Tulfo presented documents allegedly proving that some doctors receive commissions from the company in exchange for recommending their branded medications.
According to Senator Tulfo, he possesses a list of doctors dubbed “Jedi” and “Padawan” involved in transactions with the company. Additionally, he claimed to have evidence of lavish gifts received by some doctors as part of their commission from selling medications.
Senator Tulfo’s revelations sparked widespread concern among Congress and the public. Doctors receiving commissions from pharmaceutical companies violate medical professionalism ethics and raise doubts about the integrity of their prescriptions and patient recommendations.
The multi-level marketing scheme exposed also raises concerns about public health. Substituting branded medications, which come at higher prices, instead of cheaper generic alternatives, could render medications unaffordable for many patients.
May ebidensya ng sabwatan!
— Politiko (@Politiko_Ph) April 30, 2024
Sa pagdinig ng Senate Committees on Health, Tourism at Finance, ipinakita ni Sen. Raffy Tulfo ang mga dokumentong nagpapatunay umano na tumatanggap ang ilang doktor ng komisyon sa pagrereseta ng branded na gamot mula sa Bell-Kenz Pharma.
Ayon kay… pic.twitter.com/8QW7CZUpka
Amidst these revelations, the public hopes that authorities will swiftly act to cleanse the healthcare system from corruption and favoritism. Strict enforcement of laws and regulations is necessary to ensure the integrity and service of the medical sector for the well-being and health of all.