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| Photo of Dr. Farrah Bunch and the image her recent Facebook post |
Profits will always be the driving force in any industry. To enjoy the
full fruits of that industry it should be protected.
On this aspect the pharmaceutical industry, based on the report released
by GlobalData the “The pharmaceutical market in the Philippines is set to
experience a moderate rise from $3.4 billion in 2015 to $4.1 billion by 2020,
at a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%.”
Pharmaceutical vs. Herbal Medicines
The Philippines pharmaceutical market is 3rd in the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN), just behind Indonesia and Thailand.
As per the report: the Philippines is an emerging destination for
global clinical trials. According to the US FDA, the number of clinical trials
in the Philippines increased by 31% in 2009, the eighth-highest annual growth
rate in the world. The $22.6 million investment in research and development in
2013 and the increase in the number of clinical trials provided a significant
boost for the healthcare sector.
So on that figures alone, you know that selling medicine or health
related products there is so much promise an unearned profits in the country.
That is why it is no brainer like the Dr. Farrah Agustin-Bunch Natural
Medical Center will never be left unnoticed.
The country’s lead agency - Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tasked to regulate the making and selling pharmaceutical products
including herbals being sold in the Philippine market had no other choice but
to let the hammer fall on the Tarlac clinic for selling the alleged unregistered
health products.
Dr. Farrah has attested that all products from her clinic have been tested,
safe and has the same curing qualities that of the artificial medicines that
are being sold by these big companies.*
These pharmaceutical companies might have seen Dr. Farrah and his group
as a big threat to their existence and profits if they will continue to allow
her in her operations.
Right for cheaper medicines
As shown in the GlobalData report, if the herbal products of Tarlac will
take off a percentage of the pharmaceutical market there is a big possibility
that in the long run these big companies will be out of the picture, as the
desired result that of being given by the artificial western medicines can also
be provided by Dr. Farrah’s herbal medicine which by the way is much more cheaper
than those of existing or flooding the Philippines medicinal market.
To just allow these scenario, is plainly wrong in effect we are denying
cheap but effective medicines to Filipinos who by the way are not all rich and
can afford the higher priced medicines that of coming from the big
pharmaceutical companies.
A law should not be circumvented to further the interests of others
(pharmaceutical firms) to the expense of the greater majority (ordinary
Filipinos who are in need access to cheaper but effective medicines).
Mainstream media ‘news blackout’
Despite the challenges, Dr. Farrah continues her fight for her patients.
*
In a recent Facebook post, the doctor also called on the mainstream
media for allegedly blocking the news on the illegal shutdown of her facility.
“Senate President Senator Tito Sotto scolded DOH regarding the pressure
applied by medical societies to close my clinic. It was VERY newsworthy, and
yet only TV5 carried the story. “She said
Dr. Farrah's full post reads:
The Philippines mainstream media blackout on the illegal
closure of my facility is painfully clear. Courageous American journalists like
Mike Adams “The Health Ranger” and Erin Elizabeth "Erin at Health Nut
News" are a real blessing. The truth is coming out and our Philippine “pay
to play” media looks more inept and ridiculous with each passing day. Senate
President Senator Tito Sotto scolded DOH regarding the pressure applied by
medical societies to close my clinic. It was VERY
newsworthy, and yet only TV5 carried the story. Many Filipinos are critical of
the politicians who have spoken up about this. What about those who haven’t
said a word? What about those who have done nothing? Why are they ignoring the
pleas and cries of tens of thousands of patients and the millions who want
their healthcare choices to be their own?
I am on no political side. I look to what is
right and what is wrong. I’m a Doctor and I will always remain on the side of
life, health and the proper welfare of all patients. I will not be silenced by
these big medical and pharmaceutical hooligans who misuse our government
agencies. They're trying to advance their business agendas at the expense of
patients and I will not be quiet about it. Shame on all of you for putting
profits before patients.
