In our previous column, we presented the initiatives of the Philippine government and the research-based pharmaceutical industry that aim to maintain integrity in the healthcare community. This important undertaking is anchored on our recognition that ethical interactions between the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare community benefit the patients and propel the advancement of science and medical information.
The industry’s global advocacy for integrity recently marked another important milestone. On April 8, leading American health stakeholders formed a collaborative partnership designed to enable ethical collaboration towards improving the US healthcare system to better meet the needs of the nation’s diverse patient populations.
Representatives from the National Health Council (NHC), the National Medical Association (NMA), and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) gathered in Washington D.C. and launched the US Consensus Framework (USCF), an open initiative to advance health equity and ethical collaboration in the US health ecosystem.
Created by and for patient organizations more than 100 years ago, the NHC provides a united voice for the 160 million people in the US living with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers. Made up of more than 160 national health- related organizations and businesses, the core membership of NHC includes the nation’s leading patient organizations, with the main goal of promoting increased access to affordable, high-value, sustainable, and equitable health care.
The NMA, meanwhile, is the collective voice of African-American physicians. It is the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States. Representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve, the NMA is committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people.
The PhRMA, on the other hand, represents the leading biopharmaceutical research companies in the US. Its 31 member companies are committed to co-creating a patient-centered health care system by advancing innovation, making medicines more affordable, and establishing a more just system. The organization implements various programs and initiatives that aim to build greater equity into health outcomes, clinical trial participation and talent, as well as improve access and affordability, and work toward better health.
Designed as a forum for leading US health system stakeholders, the USCF continuously welcomes key health stakeholders to join the initiative and provide diverse sector perspectives. The goal is to facilitate the establishment of best practices and high standards that center on the needs of patients and the promotion of health equity. Inspired by the International Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration that was launched in 2014, the USCF applies established principles of ethics to a vision of health equity in the US healthcare system — setting a new standard globally for an equity-centered and patient-centered collaboration.
While the US healthcare system is recognized for its ability to provide first-class care and treatments, these benefits are not experienced equally. Longstanding structural, racial, environmental, and financial barriers prevent equitable access to best-in-class screening, treatment, and care. Through the launch of the USCF, the US joins the majority of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum’s member economies (which include the Philippines) in having adopted a consensus framework for ethical collaboration across the health system.
Randall L. Rutta, NHC Chief Executive Officer said that the framework is essential to help guide partnerships that enable meaningful and appropriate patient engagement. Joy D. Calloway, NMA Executive Director for her part said that the “USCF provides the platform and opportunity to advance health equity to the forefront of US healthcare discussions and sets the standard for ethical, patient-centered collaborations.”
“Since the inception of the PhRMA Code more than 20 years ago, PhRMA member companies have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the highest standards of business ethics and compliance. Our members’ robust ethics and compliance programs serve as the gold standard worldwide,” said Stephen J. Ubl, PhRMA President & Chief Executive Officer. He added, “This Consensus Framework is a historic step to build on this foundation, allowing leading health system stakeholders to partner and continue to drive thought leadership and forward progress in business ethics and equity. Today’s announcement is just the first step, and we look forward to building on this important partnership in the months ahead,”
In 2020, the Philippines became among the first of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation nations that adopted its own Consensus Framework. The goal is to put patients at the center of all healthcare efforts through the advancement of ethical principles.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
