Philippine Medical Association

THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least one out of 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries is either falsified or substandard. The WHO considers this a serious global problem that can lead to health risks, treatment failures, and even death.

To safeguard the health of Filipinos, Unilab, Inc. is joining forces with stakeholders in the health community to uphold the highest global standards of pharmaceutical quality. 

“Quality can never be assumed – it must be proven. Because not all medicines and healthcare products are created equal,” said Unilab, Inc. president and CEO Sebastian Frederick F. Baquiran during the company’s recent celebration of World Quality Week– which had the theme “Quality: Think Differently; Challenging Assumptions, Redefining Quality in Medicines” – in Mandaluyong City.

“The difference between what merely claims to heal and what truly delivers healing lies in quality – quality grounded in science, upheld by standards, and tested by integrity,” he added. 

Baquiran then called on the healthcare community to band together for quality. “Let us raise awareness about what quality truly means and challenge the assumption that it is automatically guaranteed in every product.” 

Advocating for the health and safety of Filipinos

At the opening ceremony of the Unilab Quality Week, partners from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Philippine Pharmacists Association, Drugstores Association of the Philippines (DSAP), Community Pharmacists Association of the Drugstores Association of the Philippines (CPhAD), and Integrated Chemists of the Philippines participated in activities that showcased the journey to quality medicines, and showed how Unilab ensures the safety and efficacy of its products – from research and formulation, to manufacturing, storage, and distribution, and even after these are sold in the market.

“It has always been part of our advocacy to really push for quality medicines, and I am glad that Unilab has committed to this advocacy as well. Quality medicines plus pharmacovigilance equals patient safety. And at the end of the day, that’s what we want to achieve,” said Dr. Maria Minerva P. Calimag, past PMA president and professor at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. 

For his part, CPhAD president Romvon V. Daligdig said, “Each medicine that we dispense has the power to heal, and at the same time, the power to harm. With the collaboration of doctors, pharmacists, manufacturers, and distributors, we can give the best medication journey to every Filipino.”

Dapat Unilab Quality

The latest National Demographic and Health Survey shows that 30% of Filipino households do not consider medicines and vitamins from drugstores safe. 

To be certain about the safety and effectiveness of the healthcare products they take, Filipinos are advised to buy only those that have the “Apat na Marka ng Quality Alaga.”

First is “Subok at Napatunayan.” Unilab – maker of trusted brands such as Biogesic, Ceelin, and Enervon – assures Filipinos that all its products are a result of rigorous development, and that its claims on product safety and efficacy are always backed by scientific data and evidence.

Second is “Ayon sa Standards.” Unilab adheres to the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration, as well as to stringent, globally recognized good practices, like Good Laboratory Practices, Good Clinical Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Storage and Distribution Practices, and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices. 

The third hallmark of quality care is “Sinuring Mabuti.” Unilab ensures that quality benchmarks are met and even exceeded every step of the way, by doing thorough checks on raw materials, finished goods, and processes.

The fourth “Marka ng Quality Alaga” is “Gawang World-Class.” Unilab has world-class laboratories, manufacturing plants, and distribution facilities that are operated by a team of technical experts. 

“In Unilab, quality is the responsibility of everyone,” said Unilab Operating Vice President and Head of Research and Development Joyce B. Santos.

“Ensuring quality according to a global standard is Unilab’s commitment. It has always been our commitment, more so today on our 80^th year. Filipinos deserve nothing less than true quality care,” she said.

In line with this commitment, Unilab’s scientists, researchers, and technical teams have started to conduct continuing professional education (CPE) programs to share their expertise and best practices with the academe and healthcare professionals. It will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in the healthcare industry towards a healthier Philippines, one quality medicine at a time.