PHAP head vows to promote universal healthcare, ethics and innovation

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines recently announced the appointment of Roberto C. Taboado as president for 2013.

Taboada, president and managing director of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, will replace Sanofi Aventis general manager Carlito M. Realuyo who will continue to serve as trustee.

Taboado will lead the 44-member strong pharmaceutical organization representing the men and women of Filipino and global companies engaged in the provision of innovative quality and live-saving medicines. He will also spearhead the humanitarian efforts of the PHAPCares Foundation, the collective corporate responsibility arm of the research medicines drug.

Also receiving the PHAP board are vice president Ahmet Gemel (Pfizer Philippines country manager), treasurer Raymund Azurin (Zuellig Pharma president and CEO) and trustees Reynaldo Dela Cruz Jr. (Eli Lilly president and general manager), Lourdes Magno (Hi-Esai president), Chris Eberle (Metro Drug GM), Thomas Weigold (Novartis Healthcare president) and Teodoro E. Padilla (PHAP executive director). Former executive director Reiner W. Gloor will serve as PHAP adviser.

Taboada commits to innovate public-private partnerships and intensify the PHAP advocacy to support universal healthcare, the Aquino administration’s flagship social development agenda to provide greater and more sustainable access to healthcare.

Taboado pledged to intensify the promotion of high standards in the industry through strict adherence to the internationally aligned Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices as well as the adoption ot the “Mexico City Principles” endorsed recently by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders.