Rush in DOH dengue program alarming, says Philhealth exec

A multi-awarded physician who is now a member of the board of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) expressed alarm over the apparent rush in the health department's implementation of its National Dengue Program.

In an open letter released Friday, Dr. Anthony Leachon said he was "bothered and alarmed" by the DOH's decision to inoculate schoolchildren despite "the concerns and questions raised by health experts and WHO (World Health Organization) regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine."

"As a doctor, my primary concern is safety and complying with international protocols. The safety of our children is paramount here," Leachon said in the letter furnished GMA News Online.

Leachon, an internist and cardiologist, was previously a consultant of the DOH during the time of former health secretary Enrique Ona. He resigned in 2013 apparently in protest of Ona's support for stem cell therapy.

He was named to the board of directors of PhilHealth last January as an independent member representing the Monetary Board.

Health Secretary Janette Garin chairs the PhilHealth board.

Leachon stated that while French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur was correct in conducting post-marketing studies to test the anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, such research should be conducted in a controlled environment to avoid endangering the lives of its testers.

"Yes Sanofi by FDA rules has postmarketing commitment to do safety surveillance trial but this is usually physician led with a rigorous clinical protocol unlike the mass vaccination in the schools which might endanger the safety of the kids," Leachon said.

The DOH rolled out the P3 billion project on Monday despite the innumerable questions health advocates have about the vaccine.

"As a taxpayer, I am concerned with the judicious use and prioritization of public funds. As a public official, I believe that government, especially its highest officers, should be transparent, fully accountable, and sensitive to public sentiments and opinion," he continued.

Leachon made clear that he was "not out to discredit" Garin or the DOH but was firm on his opinion that the launch was rushed.

"I am prepared to bear the consequences of my disagreement with you on this matter; I just hope that you will appreciate my stand as devoid of malice or ill intent," he said.

Yesterday, former health undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa claimed that the DOH put "children at risk" by using Dengvaxia without the approval of the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO SAGE).

Unlike Leachon, who said he merely sought "intellectual discourse", Herbosa warned that some health advocates may press charges against the health department depending on the results of WHO SAGE's evaluation of the vaccine. — APG, GMA News