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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros to DOH: Probe alleged shortage of HIV drugs

Hontiveros to DOH: Probe alleged shortage of HIV drugs

Published Jul 6, 2026 10:40 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to investigate the reported shortage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs in the country.
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Mark Balmores)
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Mark Balmores)
Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to investigate the reported shortage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs in the country.
Hontiveros said it is worrying to hear reports that HIV treatment hubs are being forced to stock up on antiretroviral or ARV drugs for their patients due to delays and shortages in the supply of drugs.
“Health and lives are at stake here, so the government must act immediately to fill the shortage of ARVs and prevent People Living with HIV (PLHIV) from stopping treatment,” the senator said.
“They cannot be interrupted and must take ARVs every day to stay healthy,” she pointed out.
Hontiveros said it is imperative that the DOH ensure that the supplier fulfills its promise to deliver the ARV drugs and make them available to all treatment hubs as soon as possible. 
“The priority now is to allay the fears of PLHIVs…All available contractual, legal and logistical remedies must be pursued to secure the government-procured medicines,” she said.
“Someone must be held accountable for the delay and the delivery of the medicine must not take any longer,” added the lawmaker. 
PhilHealth also needs to speed up the processing of claims for Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT), clarify with treatment hubs how OHAT can be used so that treatment is not interrupted and ensure that no PLHIV is denied treatment due to delays in financing or paperwork.
The government must also give transparent updates to affected communities, improve forecasting and procurement, strengthen inventory monitoring, and facilitate inter-hub redistribution when needed, according to the senator.
"The mandate of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act or Republic Act No. 11166 that we passed is clear: HIV treatment and care must be free, accessible, continuous and dignified,” she said.
“The ongoing shortage of ARVs should not be shrugged off. PLHIV should not have their lifeline cut off just because of a system deficiency that should have been addressed,” Hontiveros reiterated.

Related Tags

Risa Hontiveros DOH HIV
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