Unilab, the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the country, was given the Special Citation by the Department of Health (DOH) for its pioneering role in Philippine healthcare during the First Generics Summit held last Sept. 25 and 26 at SMX Mall of Asia.
Spearheaded by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the Generics Summit commemorated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Generics Act of 1998. The event also recognized DOH’s partners and stakeholders who have made significant contribution in promoting the use of high quality generic medicines.
DOH honored Unilab for its unwavering commitment in safeguarding the public’s health. “During the worst days of generics, when many had doubts, one company stood the ground, took the reins and dared to believe,” Secretary Duque said. “This incredible show of faith opened the doors for more companies to do the same.”
Secretary Duque also underscored the important role of Unilab Founder Jose Y. Campos in Philippine healthcare. “Jose Y. Campos and Unilab faced non-believers. He faced head-on the affront…that claimed, albeit falsely, that generics are inferior. He faced the doubting Thomases of the medical profession and convinced them that generics were just as good, maybe even better,” Duque said. “Most of all, throughout the years, he faced the scrutiny of the general public who also did not want to believe in generics.”
“Jose Y. Campos’s legacy of courage, heroism, and compassion for the Filipino nation is reflected in the vision and leadership of the company that he leads, led by Unilab Chairman Jocelyn Campos Hess,” Duque said. “Unilab’s unparalleled promotions of generic medicines served as a tipping point and this made believers of many. ‘Meron bang RiteMED o generics na ganyan?’ was a proud testimony for generics. And these generics carry the seal of quality that is trusted by doctors and patients alike. Filipinos today are indeed better because of the work of Jose Y. Campos and Unilab.”
Photo shows from left: Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI) President Ma. Lourdes Buensuceso, Unilab Vice Chairman Clinton Campos Hess, Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) Director Leticia Gutierrez, Unilab Chairman Jocelyn Campos Hess, and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Unilab touches the lives of millions of Filipinos by manufacturing and marketing over 300 personal care, over-the-counter, and prescription brands covering the major therapeutic categories from common illnesses like cough, colds, pain, allergy, and fever, to diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, infections, tuberculosis, ulcer, anemia, and cancer.
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