At the Commission on Appointments confirmation hearing for Francisco Duque III as DOH secretary, Sen. Lacson raised concerns about:
– the DOH’s supply chain and monitoring system for medicines and vaccines
– P7-billion budget for expanded immunization program parked at DOH central office
– a ‘disconnect’ in the needs assessment of local government units
Quotes from the hearing…
On the measles outbreak in Davao City last January, despite the DOH’s ‘humongous’ P15.59-billion budget for 2018 for vaccination:
“There must be something wrong with your supply chain and monitoring system. Baka wala kayong database… Please look into that.”
“Please strengthen your supply chain, strengthen database and strengthen monitoring system.”
“In this day and age of computer technology madali na siguro (ang monitoring). I’m concerned because a huge budget is involved in this program.”
On the parking of P7 billion for the expanded immunization program at the DOH central office:
“Under the special provision … 80% (should be) allocated to provinces. Kung 80% dapat nakalagay sa special provision sa probinsya, bakit naka-park sa central office ang P7B sa expanded immunization program?”
On the disconnect in the needs assessment for local government units:
“Ang problem, October natatapos na ang submission ng local development plans. Ang budget call February-March. Paano mag-connect ang local, matatapos ang local for October but the budget call sa Malacanang, February-March? Tapos na ang budget call, pagdating ng Regional Development Council, sasabihin ng DBM tapos na.”
“Paano magiging effective ang needs assessment na sinasabi ninyo in coordination with LGUs?”
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