(Editorial)
THE Commission on Audit’s (COA) recent findings that the Department of Health (DOH) allowed over P30 million worth of medicines to expire is a deeply troubling revelation.
At a time when access to affordable healthcare remains a significant challenge for many Filipinos, the idea that vital medicines are simply allowed to go to waste is not only fiscally irresponsible but also morally reprehensible.
This isn’t simply a matter of bureaucratic oversight; it’s a failure of planning, logistics, and a fundamental disregard for the needs of the Filipino people.
Expired medicines represent a squandered opportunity to treat illnesses, alleviate suffering, and potentially save lives. The DOH must answer critical questions: Why were these medicines not distributed in a timely manner? What systemic failures led to this waste? And what measures will be implemented to prevent this from happening again?
The DOH must conduct a thorough investigation to identify the root causes of this problem and implement concrete solutions to improve its supply chain management.
This includes better forecasting of medicine needs, more efficient distribution systems, and stricter monitoring of expiration dates.
Heads must roll if negligence or corruption is found to be a factor. The public deserves assurance that the DOH is committed to ensuring that essential medicines reach those who need them most, and that taxpayer money is used responsibly and effectively.
