DOH warns doctors against accepting gifts from pharma firms

The Department of Health (DOH) emphasized on Monday that medical professionals must uphold ethical standards and not accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies, following reports of doctors participating in pyramid schemes involving luxury car incentives and trips.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that medical professionals should maintain integrity without compromising patient rights for financial or administrative reasons.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo warned on Tuesday that doctors who accept gifts could face license revocation or suspension under the Medical Act of 1952 and the Philippine Medical Association’s code of ethics.

The DOH is investigating alleged schemes where doctors receive incentives in exchange for prescribing certain drug brands, with penalties determined by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Citizens can report incidents to the Field Regulatory Operations Office of the Food and Drug Administration, as prescribed by Department Circular 2024-0141.