An open letter to BFDA head

Dear Dr. Sofia Mancao

It is public knowledge that herbal medicines are rampant not only in the City of  Cebu Drug Stores, but also in the entire Philippines. I have noticed that majority of the Senior Citizens in our country are patronizing herbal medicines because of its naturalness and has no side effect. They also consider as their daily maintenance medicines. Just like in synthetic medicines, there are also herbal medicines which are  expensive and no longer affordable to poor Senior Citizens.

Herbal medicines have been proven and tested by hundreds thousands of people who have rendered their testimonies of its different ailments which have been healed in different number of days and months. Thus, it is about time to think deeply, heartily, feel it mercifully, and implement for the good of the Senior Citizens in our country. Herbal medicines is none debatable because it is truly a medicine.

In Cebu City, herbal medicines are available at a clinics located at Sanciangko Street, opposite USC gym and another one at D. Jakosalem Street, opposite The Freeman Newspaper. These two Herbal clinics have established its branches in Visayas and Mindanao. They have their own herbal medicine doctors to diagnose patients of its ailments. You may visit such herbal medicine clinics to prove its truthfulness.

If BFDA has legitimized all medicines from pharmaceutical companies, then there is no reason why all herbal medicines could not be legitimized, such as for heart problem, kidney, tuberculosis, diabetes, ulcer, insomia, vertigo and many others. BFDA should be fair and impartial in legimitzing medicines. It is sad to think that herbal medicines has long been recognized only as food supplement. Herbal medicines are being advertised in both radio and television but contradicted by the announcer by saying in Tagalog “Talagang Paalala ang Herbal Medicines           ay Hindi Gamot at Hindi Dapat Gamiting Pang Gamot sa Anong Uri ng Sakit.” Such statements have created negative reaction from the public patronizing the herbal medicines. BFDA has shown its partiality to only pharmaceutical companies. What is the reason behind about such?

In view of the foregoing, I am strongly requesting you to convert the herbal medicines from food supplement into a legitimate herbal medicines in order to include in the 20 percent discount.

Hoping for your favorable action and expecting for your hearted response on this regard.

Respectfully yours,

Samuel B. Rejolio

Senior Citizen