The Department of Health (DOH) raised concerns on Monday, April 22, over reports indicating pharmaceutical companies tempting medical professionals with privileges and employing multi-level marketing strategies to promote and prescribe medical products.
The DOH stressed the importance of medical professionals upholding professional and ethical standards in their practice.
"Societal pressures, financial incentives, or administrative demands must not compromise patients' rights to quality healthcare services," the health department said in a statement.
The public was reminded of the DOH's firm stance against health professionals receiving gifts, grants, or any form of compensation from pharmaceutical companies or industry members in exchange for actions benefiting these entities, deeming such practices “unethical.”