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Monday, November 22, 2004
Balanag: On the sale of fake drugs
By Prof. Federico Balanag
IN THE recent issue of one broadsheet paper, we read that the Department of Health (DOH) has formed a coalition of government agencies and private sector groups to combat and eliminate the sale of fake medicines.
Accordingly, the DOH report reveals that some 10 percent of the medicines bought in pharmacies nationwide today are fake. With it, the DOH warned that counterfeit medicine, which is not registered with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (Bfad), is not only useless and harmful but fatal to the user.
While the DOH issued statements regarding fake medicines and calling attention as well as requesting the cooperation of the public by reporting information on counterfeit medicines, it should have provided a list of such fake medicines, including names of pharmacies dealing with such fake medicines for public guidance instead of just mere informing the public. I just wonder what concrete steps or action has been taken by DOH against those selling fake medicines.
If the sale of fake medicines by unscrupulous individuals or pharmacies will not be put to stop, maybe we will wake one day seeing people dying by hundreds. God forbid.
Even more, such problem if not resolved soonest, will bring about complex health challenges in the country. It is suggested that the Department of Health should submit proposed legislative measure to Congress by recommending among others how the sale of fake medicines be strictly regulated plus the imposition of stiff penalties on those caught dealing or selling fake drugs.
The coalition of government agencies and private sector groups must also initiate a nationwide massive information dissemination of such fake medicines and pharmacies involved in transacting fake narcotics, including medical representatives.
In this regard, all coordinators and officers of the Barp Foundation are requested to advise members in their respective municipalities and barangays to be more careful in buying their much needed medicines and food supplements.
There are many networking groups who freely roam around conducting so-called seminars and telling those in attendance that the product they are selling are not medicines but food supplements that could cure numerous illnesses like asthma, arthritis, hypertension, high cholesterol and even cancer. What a wonderful food supplement that is if it is really true. Such aggressive product presentation in seminars had hoodwinked many innocent individuals.
Be very careful, it might even make you more sick and bring the unexpected end to one's life. Better, consult your doctor or accredited Barp doctor before using them.
We also would like to call the attention and cooperation of all members or coordinators who were issued PCFA and December 5 raffle tickets to remit payments of sold tickets, including the stubs, not later than November 30 to the office. Failure to do so mean that those concerned will be made to pay the cost of the tickets. The tickets will be raffled on Dec. 5 at the Baguio Convention Center during our Thanksgiving Day program while the PCFA raffle tickets will be drawn on December 20 at Clark Airfield. Representatives of Barp will be attending the draw. As such, help our foundation by doing your part in selling the raffle tickets to members so we could gather funds needed to acquire additional equipment like computer, power point and projector, sound system, and other essential facilities. The success of our foundation is your success, too. Make the difference!
In the inauguration of St. Joseph Parish, Irisan, Baguio and installation of the new parish priest, Rev. Fr. Augusto Wijns on November 14, the undersigned had the opportunity of seeing BARP members so involved with the various activities during the occasion. I have but kudos to them for their display of volunteerism and service to their fellowmen with dignity. I am very happy and proud to see them in action attending to visitors and barangay constituents. I said to myself as I watched them doing and putting things in order that what good deeds we have been teaching them in the foundation is not in vain. For this, I could say that they have served as models for the young and old as well in their barangay. Keep up the good work and may the others in other barangays where BARP members are found may also follow such good example. Mabuhay ang BARP members ng Irisan!
(November 22, 2004 issue)
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