DOH urged to use P1B fund for info drive vs. vape, diseases

Senator Francis Tolentino expressed support Wednesday for the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to ban the use of vape in the country.

"The decision of the President to ban the use of vape is very timely and consistent with what medical science studies currently recommend. We should consider the health of the youth as a priority,” Tolentino said.

During the plenary deliberation, the senator asked the Department of Health to explain the absence of  advisories against the electronic cigarettes.

“Sa dami ng mga issuance ng Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sa US sa dangers ng vapes at e-cigs, bakit wala pa tayong advisory?” he said.

He also noted the insufficient public information campaign by DOH on polio, tuberculosis, dengue and African swine flu which could have informed the public on how to prevent and treat the same.

He scored the DOH for its failure to fully utilize its almost P1-billion budget on communications to drive a public information campaign on the current disease outbreaks in the country.

“Saan nagagamit ang almost P1 billion budget ninyo for advertising? Bakit meron tayong ads para sa iwas-paputok pero wala kaming naririnig tungkol sa polio, tuberculosis, dengue at ASF?” he said.

Tolentino said during public health emergencies, people need to know what health risks they face and what actions they can take to protect their health and lives, citing a 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) advisory.

“Accurate information provided early, often, and in languages and channels that people understand, trust and use, enables individuals to make choices and take actions to protect themselves, their families and communities from threatening health hazards,” he said.

He said he considers the position of the Secretary of DOH akin to the US Surgeon General.

“He should be considered the leading spokesperson in public health issues and the nation’s doctor, providing the people with the best scientific information made available to improve the nation’s health and reduce their illnesses,” he said. —LDF, GMA News