May 6, 2024

To all members of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases:

The PSMID upholds the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior and supports the PMA and PCP admonitions regarding physician-pharmaceutical company relationships.

We condemn all activities that use patients as a means to enhance physicians’ self-interest. Such activities malign the medical profession and erode the public’s trust in the healthcare system as a whole.

We note that the vast majority of doctors practicing in the Philippines uphold the patients’ best interests, but there is a growing concern about “black lists” circulating in social media regarding alleged unethical practices related to pharmaceutical company relationships.

To discourage rumor-mongering and protect individual physicians’ rights, we enjoin PSMID members to submit documented complaints or reports about “unethical behavior” to the PSMID Committee on Medical Practice and Ethics.

Details on submitting complaints/reports and the due process for dealing with these are found in the PSMID Policies and Procedures on Filing and Resolving
Ethics Violations Complaints (Version 1 dated May 11, 2022).

The PSMID reaffirms its commitment to addressing unethical practices, promotion of accountability and maintaining professional integrity among its members.

Sincerely,
PSMID Board
PSMID Standing Committee on Medical Practice and Ethics