Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) - Philippines

The Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) Council-Philippines, a multi-stakeholder organization concerned with improving access to quality healthcare by promoting transparency and accountability,

• Is concerned about false and misleading claims made about the efficacy and value of food and dietary supplements currently being sold in the market. While these preparations may provide certain benefits, they cannot substitute for medicines of proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of illnesses.  Misleading health information harms health and wastes resources.

• Fully supports, therefore, recent initiatives undertaken by the Department of Health (DOH) to protect the right of consumers to accurate information about the products they buy.  This move is consistent with MeTA’s advocacy for transparency and disclosure – it is only by empowering consumers through education that they are able to make sound and informed choices.  We can improve health by reducing the harm that results from misleading health information.

• Believes that DOH Administrative Order No. 2010-2008 which requires that all labels and marketing materials for food / dietary supplements carry the phrase ”MAHALAGANG PAALALA:  ANG (NAME OF PRODUCT) AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT” is a timely response to growing concerns about misleading advertisements on the value of these products.  In addition, MeTA commends the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their firm resolve to regulate the dissemination of information which will deceive or mislead the public. 

• Acknowledges the primacy of public health concerns and the welfare of consumers over pure commercial gain and profits. We join other sectors in calling for truth in advertising and ethical marketing to prevent poor health outcomes for a public misled by false information leading to inappropriate product use.

• Believes that the action taken by the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (CHIPI) against Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral is unwarranted, inappropriate and ill-advised. 

The MeTA Council-Philippines, its member-organizations and affiliated networks commend Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and the Department of Health (DOH) for taking this bold step forward in promoting public access to information about food / dietary supplements, thus empowering consumers to make better choices for their health.

 
31 May 2010