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DOH warns public on overpricing of Remdesivir

Philippines | National

DOH warns public on overpricing of Remdesivir

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, April 23 warned the public on the overpricing of Remdesivir.

DOH/MB

Remdesivir is one of the investigational drugs being used in the Philippines against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

It is currently made available to COVID-19 patients by securing a compassionate special permit (CSP) from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Health department said the suggested retail price of a 100-milligram vial of Remdesivir is P1,500 (lowest) and P8,200 (highest).

The DOH cited Rule XII, Section 1 of their Joint Administrative Order No. 1 S. 1993 with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources which states that "any person found to have committed any illegal act of price manipulation as defined and prohibited under Section 5 of RA 7581, as amended, shall be penalized administratively and criminally."

Those who have concerns and complaints, the DOH said, may email [email protected].

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire this week said Remdesivir is not for commercial use and it can only be accessed through hospitals or physicians that applied for the CSP.

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