Bell-Kenz denies multi-level marketing, admits incentives to doctors

Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. on Tuesday denied involvement in a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme but admitted that it provided incentives such as foreign trips, further education, and clinic equipment to doctors who prescribed the brand.

Testifying at a Senate hearing, Bell-Kenz Pharma Chief Executive Officer Luis Raymond Go dismissed “misinformation” that the company was handing out “exorbitant commissions and lavish incentives.”

“In recent days, misinformation has been propagated. I am here to refute the baseless allegation,” he said in his opening statement during the hearing.

“I unequivocally state that Bell-Kenz is a law-abiding company adhering to the rules of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and other relevant governing bodies,” he added.

On Monday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada alleged that Bell-Kenz recruited doctors by enticing them with “promises of exorbitant commissions and lavish incentives” in exchange for prescribing the brand, which the lawmaker said violated ethical principles.

Meanwhile, Go said the brand gave “incentives” and “support” to doctors who include them as a brand for their prescriptions.

“We give them continuing medical education locally and abroad, and sometimes we also provide them with clinic equipment,” he said but denied that the firm gave out cash and luxury cars to doctors.

Asked to comment on a check Bell-Kenz made to a doctor, Go said this was not a commission but a “discount” for the prompt payment of medicines ordered from Bell-Kenz, noting that the doctor also owned several pharmacies.

He also said that the Mercedes Benz was not an incentive but was bought from the company.

For its part, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through a representative at the hearing, said Bell-Kenz had a license to operate and that its products had undergone safety and efficacy checks.

Also, representatives of the Professional Regulation Commission and the Philippine Heart Center said they had yet to investigate the allegations against the company but would look more into the matter. — DVM, GMA Integrated News