A local pharmaceutical company, Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., is facing an investigation by authorities for allegedly providing doctors with big incentives in exchange for prescribing its products to patients. The company is now planning to take legal action against individuals who have allegedly made malicious accusations that have tarnished its reputation.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, Bell-Kenz spokesperson Dezery Perlez stated that they are preparing criminal actions against those spreading malicious claims online. Perlez did not disclose the names of the individuals they intend to sue for cyberlibel. She emphasized that the accusations have not only damaged the company’s reputation but have also put the privacy and safety of Bell-Kenz shareholders and affiliated physicians at risk.
When asked about the possible involvement of rival pharmaceutical companies in the online attacks, Perlez acknowledged that it was a possibility. She and another company lawyer, Alex Avisado, denied the allegations of Bell-Kenz being engaged in a multilevel marketing scheme. They asserted that the affiliated doctors are complying with the law by prescribing both Bell-Kenz products and their generic equivalents, which are reportedly 30% cheaper.
Bell-Kenz chair Dr. Luis Raymond Go expressed the company’s openness to ongoing investigations, particularly the one being conducted by a Senate committee. This investigation is hoped to bring about clearer guidelines on doctors disclosing their financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies.
Under Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2021-0036, pharmaceutical companies are required to disclose their financial relationships with hospitals and physicians to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the DOH Public Health Ethics Committee. Failure to comply may result in penalties as stipulated in the Universal Health Care Act.
Various agencies including the DOH, FDA, Professional Regulation Commission, and Securities and Exchange Commission are conducting a joint investigation to hold individuals, including physicians, accountable for any violations. The DOH noted a conflict of interest in the current setup of Bell-Kenz and its affiliated physicians. Doctors found colluding with the company to prescribe its products instead of generic drugs may face penalties including fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of their medical license.
