Johnson & Johnson (Phil.), Inc., Phil. Medical Association Unveil New Pharmaceutical Insights Factbook

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PMA-JnJ Dr. Robert Salvino, Asec Paulyn Ubial, Dr. Suzette Lazo and Mr.Wigbert Funtanilla

Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc (JJPI), in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), recently introduced a new/novel factbook that discusses key issues surrounding the current state of pharmacological interventions.

Titled Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians, the factbook has been designed to enable healthcare professionals make informed decisions in the selection of medicines. The factbook reveals the lifecycle of a drug and the many facets surrounding drug development, manufacturing, supply chain and drug product regulation, among others. The book has been developed in alignment with the principles of medical ethics and all other activities related to therapeutic interventions.

For years, JJPI has remained steadfast in the service of patients by providing innovative quality medicines for their treatment. Committed to help further improve the country’s healthcare system, the company recognizes that the success of pharmacological intervention largely depends on the integrity of the processes that a medicine goes through from the time of manufacture to its use by the patient as intended in its regulatory approval. 

Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“At Johnson & Johnson, patient well-being is at the forefront of everything we do. The factbook is intended to assist doctors in making an informed decision in the choice of the most appropriate medication for the patient,” said Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“We also understand that our physicians are under considerable pressure meeting busy schedules, hence JJPI has designed the narrative in a manner that facilitates easy reading for all. This factbook is a sincere effort toward making a difference in the lives of our patients by empowering our doctors in Philippines to become well-informed healthcare professionals,” he added.

Dr. Minerva Calimag,
President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

Seeking to help physicians, the book includes challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in bringing lifesaving medicines to the market and regulatory efforts. It highlights the work of the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that drugs in the market are safe and effective. 

“Practicing pharmacovigilance is aimed at improving the care given to patients and protecting their lives. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering by patients and to decrease the financial burden brought about by the adverse events related to medicines, it is essential that all healthcare workers should be the frontliners in advocating pharmacovigilance by reporting all suspected cases especially when the reaction is unusual, potentially serious or clinically significant,” said Dr. Minerva Calimag, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

A case in point, she said, is a doctor monitoring an adverse drug reaction (ADR) case and submitting a report to the hospital and FDA, keeping in mind that this simple act of pharmacovigilance can improve the practices related to drugs within the hospital and most importantly, can save the life of the patient.

During the launch event, PMA President Dr. Minerva Calimag, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Ubial, and Dr. Suzette Lazo, former Philippine FDA director, were on hand to shed light on drug regulation updates and understanding the importance of drug development and utilization at the bedside, respectively.

Because of its importance in the clinical practice of the doctors, the factbook will be launched as part of the on-line module of the Philippine Medical Association for their On-line Web-based Learning Partnerships for Medical Advancement (OWL@PMA). 

To know more about the Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians factbook, visit www.owlpma.com.