Duque tells DOH officials to reveal conflict of interest

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has issued a memo directing all officials of his department to disclose any conflict of interest in relation to the use of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. (Photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has issued a memo directing all officials of his department to disclose any conflict of interest in relation to the use of pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

“It is the duty of the Department of Health (DOH) to uphold the integrity of its vital processes, particularly with regard to crafting technical recommendation and decisions concerning the purchase, procurement, deployment and use of pharmaceutical products and medical devices to ensure that they work in the best interest of Filipino patients,” read Department Memorandum No. 2018-0060 dated February 19.

Duque, who previously chaired the Civil Service Commission, issued the memo in light of the government’s thrust to promote transparency and to prevent corrupt practices.

He said all personnel, including consultants and resource speakers, should strictly abide by the DOH rules on the management of any potential conflict of interest.

The health chief emphasized the importance of following department procedures to prevent any conflict of interest between DOH personnel’s work at the department and their private practice, which could compromise their public duty to protect the safety and welfare of citizens.

Duque also reminded DOH personnel about the “No Gift-Giving Policy”, which bans any remuneration, whether directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, in return for deals, transactions or purchase of services or health products covered by the department.