Gatekeeping

The call for reforms in the regulation of health products sold online and in physical stores struck a strong chord among ordinary Filipinos.

- ALEX MAGNO

This in the face of what appears to be regulatory complacency on the part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Both Senators Risa Hontiveros and Raffy Tulfo should now feel the public pressure to lead in realizing the necessary reforms. The weak regulation of health products is a peril the public will not tolerate.

There are real consequences to the lax enforcement of regulations. Some patients, lured by exaggerated testimonials, abandoned prescribed medications only to return to their doctors in worse condition. We need stronger gatekeeping by the FDA.

The economic conditions Filipinos find themselves in make us vulnerable to false advertising by unchecked companies selling products that are made to appear capable of treating diseases at lower costs. It is hard to miss the flood of advertising flooding all media channels touting herbal supplements claiming to alleviate illnesses. Making and marketing these so-called health products has now become an immensely profitable business.

Here is another instance where widespread poverty becomes a rich business opportunity for the unscrupulous.

Defective or totally fake health supplements can cause irreversible damage on those who consume them. They may add to the illness already afflicting consumers. Some products, on scientific examination, have been found to contain hazardous substances.

There needs to be a comprehensive public information campaign to appraise the public about the therapeutic limitations of herbal supplements. More important, the FDA's capacity to enforce regulations and police the market needs urgent improvement.