Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday called on the government to ensure there is sufficient supply of basic medicines in the market as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, made the call following reports of lack of availability of stocks for paracetamol and other flu and cold medicines in pharmacies last week.
“Let’s try our best to ensure there is a steady supply of medicines in our country. It should also be accessible to all even to the poor,” Go said in a statement.
“It’s important for us to do this especially at this time, when the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase and more and more Filipinos need medicines,” the senator said.
Go also asked concerned agencies to regularly monitor the supply of vital COVID-19-related medicines, particularly supportive medicines for symptomatic therapy.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier assured the public that, despite rising demand for such products, there is no ongoing scarcity of paracetamol and other basic medicines in the Philippines.
The DOH also reminded the public of the availability of several generic alternatives to paracetamol in the market, which can be found at many drug stores around the country.
The agency also said it is collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure continuous supply of health-related goods.
Nevertheless, Go urged the public to avoid hoarding, stockpiling, panic buying, or unnecessary purchases of such basic medicines unless they are necessary or are required by their physicians.
“So many people are getting sick after the holiday season. Let’s also seek to care for others and cooperate. I advise everyone to buy enough stocks that they need so others can still buy,” he said.
“If we want to return back to normal and succesfully fight this enemy that we can’t even see at the soonest time possible, then everyone should observe discipline and cooperate,” the lawmaker stressed.