Senator Calls for Action Against Medical Junkets
In a recent Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo highlighted the ongoing issue of pharmaceutical companies allegedly sponsoring luxurious “medical junkets” for doctors. The hearing, which took place on April 2, 2024, saw Tulfo addressing Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa with concerns that these sponsored trips may unduly influence medical professionals to favor costly brand-name drugs over more economical generic options for their patients.
Tulfo urged the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify its scrutiny of these practices and to hold accountable those who participate in such junkets. “It is your job in the DOH to find out why this is still happening. If these junkets are indeed taking place, the DOH should file cases against those involved. Have there been any such cases filed? It seems the answer is no,” stated Tulfo, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
The senator’s call to action serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations that must govern the relationship between healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies. The DOH has yet to respond to the allegations or to the senator’s request for increased oversight.
This development comes amidst growing public concern over the potential conflict of interest that such junkets could create, potentially impacting the quality and cost of healthcare provided to patients.