Representation at the Last Public Hearing for the Medical Act of 2006

In February, PPhA made representation at the last public hearing regarding the Medical Act of 2006 at the Senate. The Committee chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Dr Juan Flavier. Present were prominent physician leaders from the Philippine Medical Association and the Professional Regulations Commission Board of Medicine. The pharmacy group led by the current PPhA President, Ms Normita Leyesa stressed the pharmacists’ concern over the inclusion of the ‘dispensing ‘ role in the practice of medicine along the line of medication safety.

The senators and the medical group had agreed to adopt the Lower House version of the bill which excluded ‘dispensing’ in the definition of medical practice. This was resorted to ensure the passage of the Act before the session end prior to elections and to avoid delay which can emanate from bilateral meeting. There is the commitment of the pharmacy group to be vigilant over the final content of the Medical Act bill.