DOH keeps watch on medicine prices amid fuel crisis

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday it is monitoring medicine prices amid a fuel crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East, while assuring that there is no shortage in supply.

“Sinusubaybayan natin ang presyo ng… lahat naman ng produkto ay maapektuhan dahil kagaya ng mga ibang produkto—gamot, damit, pagkain—lahat ‘yan ay puwedeng tumaas dahil sa epekto ng krisis sa ating Gitnang Silangan," said DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

(We are monitoring prices. All products may be affected because like other goods—medicine, clothing, food—all of these could increase due to the impact of the crisis in the Middle East.)

"Nagbabantay kami, as of now, marami pa tayong supplies,” he added.

(We are keeping watch. As of now, we still have sufficient supplies.)

Herbosa said the impact is expected to be felt in future purchases, as manufacturers may raise their prices.

An analyst earlier said the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may soon be felt through higher prices of medical equipment and services, noting that many medical supplies are sourced internationally, leading to increased logistics costs.

But the DOH assured that the government has adequate stockpiles of medicines.

“Mayroon kaming mga stockpile ng gamot… naka-standby ‘yan para sa ating mga kababayan, sa ating mga ospital… so mayroon naman tayong supplies. Wala pa naman tayong shortage of anything,” Herbosa said.

(We have stockpiles of medicine. These are on standby for the public and our hospitals… so we do have supplies. We don’t have any shortage yet.)

The DOH chief also said health services will continue despite the situation.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo sa ating mga ospital, BUCAS center, at mga programa ng DOH. Ang malaking epekto siguro ay sa out-of-pocket expenses ng ating mga kababayan na bumibili ng gamot sa botika at iba pang lugar,” he said.

(Our services in hospitals, BUCAS centers, and DOH programs will continue. The major impact will likely be on the out-of-pocket expenses of those buying medicines from pharmacies and other outlets.)—MCG, GMA News