Ground Views and Random Thoughts

August 3, 2020 The COVID-19 crisis has fueled the surge of not only fake face masks and other medical products related to the pandemic but also counterfeit medicines, especially those over-the-counter (OTC) or sold without prescription. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase globally, so are the counterfeiters who are exploiting the growing gaps in the market. Recently, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory against the purchase and use of counterfeit drugs. A counterfeit drug is a fake drug. Counterfeit drugs are those with the wrong or contaminated ingredients, with the correct ingredients but wrong amounts, or without the active ingredients. They can also be mislabeled, and can apply to both generic and branded products. In addition, they are not registered with the FDA and did not go through validation and standard tests to confirm their quality, safety, and efficacy. Selling or offering for sale of such is a violation of R.A. 8203 and FD

October 30, 2020 It’s raining here in the Philippines. Dengue is probably lurking around! Dengue is a disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito called Aedes aegypti and other species such as Aedes albopictus. It is common in tropical countries like the Philippines, and has become one of the fastest growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world. The most common symptom of dengue is fever that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, rash, and pains, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone. From the latest data of the Department of Health (DOH), it is reported that from January to August 2019, there were a total of 271,480 dengue cases nationwide. This is 95% higher compared to the same period in 2018. Majority of cases in the country are said to come from Regions VI, IV-A, X, III, and National Capital Region (NCR). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no specific medication for dengue fever. Patients are advised to seek medical at

February 5, 2021 It’s no secret that the Philippines has been a victim of a partially studied and politically-influenced vaccination program. In 2017, news broke out about the administration of a dengue  vaccine  to public school children, with reports of no parental consent, and included those healthy seronegative (previously uninfected) individuals. The vaccination was suspended because the Philippine government was advised by the  vaccine  manufacturer that its seronegative recipients would be at higher risk of severe breakthrough dengue infections.   The controversy was fueled further when investigations revealed that the purchase of vaccines began with the impending 2016 national elections, making speculations that corruption, indeed, played a major role.    This unfortunate history left an excruciating scar on the hearts of many Filipinos. It left a repugnant message that even our own government can not protect us.   This ethical issue impacted succeeding public health concerns.