Tulfo seeks probe into DOH expired medicines, vaccines

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed Senate Resolution No. 403 calling for a probe into the Department of Health’s (DOH) handling of expired and unutilized medicines and vaccines, based on findings from the Commission on Audit (COA). The resolution highlights COA reports documenting billions of pesos in wasted public funds, including P18.5 billion in losses from 2015 to 2024, due to expired or soon-to-expire medical supplies. The COA’s 2024 audit report identified P34.8 million in already expired drugs and P99.5 million worth of supplies at risk of expiration, attributing the issue to poor inventory management and overstocking. Tulfo cited recurring deficiencies in procurement, distribution, and monitoring systems, which have led to systemic wastage despite persistent shortages in public health facilities. Tulfo’s action follows complaints from patients about limited access to free medicines in barangay health centers and public hospitals, despite the DOH’s procurement of supplies using public funds. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating that responsible officials may face legal consequences, including dismissal or imprisonment. The senator noted that medicines remain a major out-of-pocket expense for Filipino families, making the issue of wastage particularly critical. The resolution aims to address systemic weaknesses in the DOH’s procurement and distribution processes to ensure publicly funded medical supplies reach those in need. The COA has repeatedly flagged the DOH’s inefficiencies, with losses reported annually, including P7.4 billion in 2022 and P11.18 billion in 2023. Tulfo’s probe seeks to determine how these failures persist and how they can be rectified to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities.