MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) is expecting a delivery of vaccines, including those against the flu and HPV, in October following delays, according to its budget sponsor, Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia.
Delays in procurement are due to the recent change in leadership, Garcia said on Thursday. “As of today, September 24, we were informed that there is still no available DOH supply of flu vaccines and certain mental health medicines. Tama po ba? Pati HPV vaccines,” BH party-list Representative Robert Nazal said during plenary deliberations on the DOH’s budget.
“Hinabol po ito ng bagong liderato ng DOH at PhilHealth. So by October so ilang araw na lang po ay maibibigay na po ‘yung delivery ng mga vaccines na ito,” Garcia said.
Dr. Edwin Mercado was appointed as DOH secretary in August, taking the place of Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr.
When asked about the reason behind delays in procurement, Garcia replied, “Ito po’y inabutan ng bagong liderato ng DOH, at maraming rason. Legal– procurement may be very complicated, but they will submit a complete report to the Honorable Nazal.”
The DOH is conducting fact-finding efforts regarding the expired vaccines, Garcia added. “More on process-related po ‘yung natuklasan na delay, at doon po naka-focus. And hindi lang po nasama sa early procurement itong mga vaccines na ito. At ngayon po, the secretary of health reassures the Honorable Nazal na kasama na po siya sa early procurement para hindi na po mangyari next year,” Garcia said.