News And Announcements

The arrest of 43 health workers in the Philippines is an attack on the right to health of the poor

Third World Relief Fund, a Belgian development NGO, and intal, a solidarity movement with people's movements in the Philippines and other countries, condemns the brazen arrest of 43 doctors and health workers in the Philippines. We consider it an attack on the Council for Health and Development (CHD), our long-time partner organization in the Philippines, and on the right to health of the Philippine people.

Melamine Contamination Caused by Corporate Greed, Import Liberalization, Gov’t Neglect

Two Philippine doctors, one an advocate of community-based health programs and the other a toxicology expert, said that corporate greed, import liberalization, and the lack of priority given by the government to local food production and to ensuring food safety are to be blamed for the entry of melamine-contaminated products in the country.

Health Professionals and scientists warn: Endosulfan is a potential catastrophic global disaster!

In a joint press release today, health professionals and toxicologist belonging to RESIST Agrochem TNCs (Resistance and Solidarity against Agrochemical TNCs) called on the government on intense danger of Endosulfan and said that people's welfare is in serious jeopardy. The group warns that Endosulfan is a potential catastrophic global disaster.

Philippines: “Who’s Afraid of Drug Price Regulation?” - HEAD

Who is afraid of drug price regulation?

Certainly not the patients, who stand to gain much if prices of much-needed medicine are immediately reduced to low, very inexpensive prices. Definitely not the doctors, who will finally see their patients able to comply and adhere to their medical treatment. And absolutely not the general public, who may yet enjoy a better life when even the most essential and life-saving drugs become affordable.

Philippines: HEAD on New DOH Order: “Regulating or Legalizing Organ Trade?”

The much publicized administrative order by the Department of Health allegedly aimed at eradicating the thriving black market of kidney trade may yet result in the exact opposite: the legalization and facilitation of the sale of kidneys and other human organs.

Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) warned that this administrative order is a red herring that contains contradictory provisions and paves the way for the virtual legalization of organ trade under the pretext of "management and regulation".

Philippines: “Generics-only provision playing into the hands of big pharmas” - HEAD

The contentious "generics-only prescribing" provision of the Cheaper Medicine Bill plays right into the hands of big pharmaceutical companies.

The group Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) warned that this provision serves only to distract legislators and stakeholders, divert attention from the flaws that need to be addressed, and prevent a thorough discussion of the more salient features of the bill.