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DOH says it acted in cancer patients' 'best interest' amid fund complaint issue

Philippines | National

DOH says it acted in cancer patients' 'best interest' amid fund complaint issue

By Analou de Vera

DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) said that its cancer-related policies were above board and was approved by key stakeholders.

In a statement, the DOH said that all of its processes related to cancer programs were "unanimously approved by the National Integrated Cancer Control Council (NICCC).

" the highest and only designated policy-making, planning, and coordinating body consisting of key representatives and experts from different national government agencies, cancer specialists, and patient support groups," the DOH said.

The DOH also answered allegations that some hospitals were excluded in the cancer programs.

"We emphasize that the amounts sub-allotted to hospitals were based on the documented requests of the hospitals themselves," the DOH said.

"And other DOH hospitals alleged to have been excluded from receiving funds were actually provided cancer medicines and cancer assistance funds which can be used for diagnostics, treatment, and other needed support of cancer patients," it added.

The DOH issued this statement after complaints of grave misconduct, malversation and graft were filed in the Office of the Ombudsman against six of its officials.

They six health officials facing these complaints are DOH Undersecretary Beverly Ho, directors Razel Nikka Hao and Anthony Cu, former director Anna Melissa Guerrero, as well as doctors Kim Patrick Tejano and Jan Aura Laurelle Llevado.

The DOH said it has yet to receive the official copies of the complaints.

"However, we assure everyone that we acted in the best interest of the thousands of cancer patients reliant on the DOH’s cancer program, and we are confident that our integrities remain intact," it added.

Related Tags

Department of Health (DOH) National Integrated Cancer Control Council (NICCC). cancer programs six health officials Ombudsman complaints

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