Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 195: The Senate Hearing Part 2

As the low murmur of conversations tapered off, the Senate Committee on Health and Demography's hearing room fell into a respectful silence. At the center of the room, behind a broad desk bedecked with microphones and placards bearing their names, sat the members of the committee, each one prepared with notes and digital devices.

Senator Emilio Alonzo, chair of the committee, stood to address the room. He adjusted his glasses before speaking into the microphone.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am Senator Emilio Alonzo, and I have the honor of chairing today's proceedings. This hearing is convened by the Senate Committee on Health and Demography to scrutinize recent advancements in healthcare technologies and their implications on public health and ethics.

The innovations in question come from one of our nation's most distinguished tech entrepreneurs, Mr. Michael Reyes, whose groundbreaking work in medical technology has not only positioned the Philippines at the forefront of biomedical innovation but also raised important questions about regulatory practices and market dynamics."

Senator Alonzo paused, allowing his introduction to settle among the audience, then continued, "Joining me today are my esteemed colleagues: Senator Maria Lopez, who has been a vocal advocate for patient rights and safety; Senator Joaquin Rivera, whose focus on the economic implications of healthcare innovations has helped shape several key legislative measures; and Senator Lila Santos, a staunch supporter of technological advancements in public health services."

He glanced around, nodding to his colleagues, who acknowledged with slight nods. "We are also joined by various stakeholders, including health policy experts, representatives from patient advocacy groups, and industry analysts, all of whom will contribute to our understanding of these complex issues."

Turning his attention to Michael, who sat ready, Senator Alonzo's expression softened slightly, "Mr. Reyes, we appreciate your presence here today. The committee recognizes your contributions to the field but also understands the necessity of examining the broader impact of your technologies.

We anticipate a constructive dialogue that will not only address the concerns at hand but also help lay down a robust framework for future innovations in our healthcare system."

He gestured to a stack of documents on his desk. "Today's hearing will cover several key areas: the ethical considerations of new medical technologies, the safety protocols in their deployment, the transparency of clinical trials, and the potential for creating monopolistic conditions in the healthcare sector."

Senator Alonzo concluded his opening remarks with a call to focus, "Let us proceed with an open mind and a commitment to uphold the best interests of our citizens. Mr. Reyes, the floor will be yours shortly. We look forward to your insights and explanations."

As he sat down, the room filled again with the quiet rustle of papers and soft clicking of keyboards, everyone bracing for the discourse that was about to unfold. Michael took a deep breath, glanced at his team, and prepared himself.

"Now, for the ethical consideration of new medical technologies. Your technology, Medipod, has claimed that it can cure any kind of cancer, even if it's stage 3 and above. While the promises of Medipod are commendable, they bring significant ethical and regulatory concerns. Mr. Reyes, can you elaborate on how Medipod operates, specifically how it ensures safety and efficacy in such critical cases?"

"Thank you, Senator Alonzo. The Medipod uses a combination of targeted drug delivery systems and advanced nanotechnology to treat cancer. The technology is designed to identify cancer cells specifically, without harming healthy cells, greatly reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments.

As for safety and efficacy, every iteration of Medipod undergoes rigorous clinical trials that are fully compliant with international medical standards. We ensure transparency in our processes by registering all trials and publishing results, whether they are positive or negative. This transparency helps the medical community and regulators assess and verify the reliability of our technology."

Senator Alonzo listened intently, nodding occasionally. "And regarding the ethical implications," he pursued, "how do you address concerns that your technology might become a gatekeeper in healthcare, potentially limiting access to only those who can afford it?"

Michael was prepared for this question. "It's a valid concern, Senator. Our goal at Medipod is to democratize healthcare. To this end, we are working with various governments and NGOs to subsidize the cost where needed and ensure that no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

We are also investing in scaling up our production capabilities to meet global demand efficiently, which should further reduce costs over time."

Senator Alonzo seemed satisfied with the response but pressed on. "Let's discuss the monopolistic concerns. With such advanced technology, how do you prevent your company from monopolizing the market? What steps have you taken to remain competitive but fair?"

Michael responded, "Our patent strategy is designed to protect our innovation while fostering a competitive market. We will license our technology to other reputable companies under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms, which encourages competition and innovation within the industry."

Of course, Michael knew that the Senate only wanted to hear what they wanted to hear. The too-good-to-be-true statements such as sharing the technology with others are still a possibility, he hasn't fully considered it yet, but the situation demanded a certain level of diplomacy.

Senator Alonzo nodded, taking a moment to jot down notes before asking another question.

"Mr. Reyes, let's delve into the clinical trials you mentioned. Can you provide more details on these trials, such as their scale, duration, and the independent verification of results?"

"Senator. Our clinical trials are conducted with multiple phases designed to ensure the utmost safety and efficacy. The first phase focuses on safety, assessing how the technology affects patients with different types of cancers. Subsequent phases look at efficacy and compare the results with standard treatments.

"We collaborate with international health bodies and independent third parties to verify our findings. All trial results are made available in medical journals and at conferences. We believe transparency is crucial, especially when dealing with innovative treatments that could significantly impact public health."

Senator Alonzo appeared satisfied with Michael's detailed explanation and proceeded to another concern.

"Regarding the deployment of your technology, how do you ensure that it remains accessible and affordable, not just in urban centers but also in rural areas where healthcare services are often limited?"

Michael outlined his vision for widespread access. "Our approach includes partnering with local governments and health organizations to integrate Medipod technology into existing healthcare infrastructures. We are also exploring mobile units that can reach remote areas, ensuring that no demographic is left behind.

Additionally, we are working on educational programs to train healthcare providers on using this technology effectively."

The questions from Senator Alonzo and other committee members continued, each one probing different aspects of Michael's work—from ethical concerns and business practices to technical details of his innovations. Michael responded to each query with patience and detail.

"Okay, Mr. Reyes it appears that the Senate is satisfied with your responses. This concludes our session with Mr. Reyes. I'd like to thank him for his comprehensive responses and the committee for their insightful questions. We will take a short break before the Committee of Science and Technology takes over to continue discussions on further technological implications in other sectors."

Senator Alonzo then stood, signaling the formal end of the session.