Doctors denounce “rude treatment” in Senate probe

After the Senate hearing on Bell Kenz Pharma attended by DOH officials, whistleblowers, and doctor-panelists, I received lots of reactions from the medical community.  Our Sharp Edges column on this subject has been circulating in their various chat groups of and even in lawyer-communities.  Here is an interesting reaction from my source, who requested anonymity, a medical practitioner who watched the Senate proceedings and shared very important insights. 

Hi, Jake. Did you ever wonder why they are zeroing in ONLY on Bell Kenz Pharma when there are SEVERAL local pharma companies owned by doctors – not only cardiologists, nephrologists, gastro etc.  Who stands to benefit? Who is most affected by the growth of Bell Kenz.  Is Bell Kenz the only company that gives incentives to MDs? What about some local companies giving junket trips? There are even local companies that give cash and dollars for raffles during parties.  

Dr. Tony Leachon who has been with Pfizer for 15 years – did he not prescribe only Pfizer products back then? As Medical Director – did he not allow or tolerate the lavish trips of Pfizer prescribers and speakers?  He tarnished the image of the whole medical community and is trying burn the forest.  If he has proofs and is truly sincere to correct misdoings if there are any – why not file a formal complaint at DOH, PRC and PMA – why via social media and why intentionally tag the senate and ask for a senate hearing (wasting taxpayers’ money).  If he has proofs – why did he not submit them to the proper agencies instead of posting them in social media?  

From what I have read from different Group chat platform of MDs – on the part of the senators – this is an opportunity for them to push the UHC (Universal Health Care) – and which company has generic arm and signed a contract with the government for UHC?  The hearing is merely a zarzuela in attempt to humiliate MDs and push their agenda.  In aid of legislation or in aid of another Pharma? Hope I am wrong. 

Several times I heard Sen Tulfo calling Dr Go – as Mr. Go, seemingly stripping him of his title.  He gave Dr. Go a vague and complex question and wanted a simple yes or No answer with no option to expound – then threatens him to be detained for lying? 

Luxury cars – So, Doctors who have practiced for decades are not entitled to somehow enjoy the fruits of their hard works, but politicians can have all the luxury cars they want – and not just one but several. 

Why is there instant presumption of irregularity – thinking doctors are not professionals and people of integrity, forgetting their sacrifice just a few years back after the pandemic? How fair is it to presume that once doctors go into business to secure the future of their family, and are now labelled as if they will simply throw away their 18 years of studying, training, and sleepless nights just like that?

So, are doctors now prohibited in business related to their field otherwise it is automatically construed as conflict of interest?  How about hospitals owned by doctors, diagnostic centers, dialysis, rehab & stone treatment centers owned by MDs & free standing in lying clinics?  Doctors will have no right to have a business, but Engineers and contractors can own hardware companies, Architects & designers can own a furniture shop, Vet meds can own a pet shop and Dermatologists with their own beauty center & secret beauty product formulas exclusive in their center. Even priests have pay parking business and lease rental in their Churches as well as sell religious items. 

Did they even pause and think why some doctors invest in some medically related business to augment their income? Maybe because they also have a family to feed and they do not want to suffer the fate of their mentors and pillars who when they got old and sick, needed to solicit donations from colleagues and sell off their assets.  Is it wrong to diversify in a business related to one’s craft as this is the field one is knowledgeable of?

The relationship between healthcare products and services (Pharma, Hospitals, Dialysis Centers, Drugstores, etc.) with Health care pharmaceuticals are quite complex. If Doctors are setting up hospital to fill up an unmet need in the community, is this wrong? If the hospital can cut cost of care (compared to other hospitals) is it wrong for doctors to put one up? 

If there is conflict of interest the remedy is disclosure. The problem is that there are no guidelines on how MDS should disclose their financial relations to Pharma or device companies, hospitals, healthcare centers (dialysis, Rehab center, eye surgery centers etc.). PMA should come out with a guideline and DOH, PRC etc. should follow. 

Why did Sen Tulfo have to post the names of doctors “presumed” to be investors – which was refuted by Dr Go- for all you know they are merely prescribers of Bell Kenz drugs?   So, they want to tarnish the names of those MDs in their respective hospitals and in the community as a whole? Now these MDs will be subjected to doubts because of unfounded accusations.  

A few days before the hearing when you are in the list of pharma, you are considered big time because you are in the radar of Pharma companies. This means you have a heavy patient load and in demand, hence you are being given perks like sponsorships.  Now because of the “Good Senators”, it is now viewed as an infamous list?

Disclosure:  I also prescribe Bell Kenz products (and support other pharma companies too) as they are cost effective and safe based on experience and prescribe it even to my mother and other family members.  Now that they are tarnishing the company’s name and fear of being labelled unethical – should I change the maintenance meds of my patients even if my patients are doing well with them.  The company also supports CME (Continuing medical education) activities for our trainees).  During the pandemic – Bell kens was the only pharma that was visible to doctors – delivering pandemic kits and even groceries to the frontliners at the height of the lockdown – is that an unethical practice?  They assisted MDs find a source for molnupiravir and remdesivir for their critical patients – is that a crime?

There is another commentary on this issue called, “The Raging Bull”, circulating in the medical community. We will publish that in our next column.