Senator questions sponsored trips of doctors by pharmaceutical companies

Healthcare News

Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concerns about the trips of doctors sponsored by pharmaceutical companies to other countries. During a Senate hearing, Tulfo and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had a heated exchange regarding these trips, which are given in exchange for doctors prescribing medications from the sponsoring companies instead of promoting cheaper generic drugs. Herbosa argued that some doctors prefer branded medicines because they are more effective than generic drugs. He also mentioned that the procurement of medicines and supplies for hospitals undergo public bidding, with generic medicines often winning the bids. Herbosa added that branded medicines are often substituted for generic medicines due to their efficacy.