Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 27) — A bill allowing the government to stockpile critical medical supplies and drugs for public health emergencies hurdled the House ways and means committee on Monday.
The proposed Health Procurement and Stockpiling Act seeks to create the health procurement and stockpiling bureau under the Department of Health.
The bill also provides a medical stockpiling fund to make sure supply is steady for important medical devices and drugs for health care emergency.
The Department of Finance, however, recommended to lawmakers that the fund be managed by the Bureau of Treasury instead of the DOH.
Under the bill, the DOH will be allowed to receive donations and raise funds for stockpiling of essential medical devices and drugs. These donations will be exempted from taxes and fees.
“The importance of passing this measure cannot be over-emphasized. We are already experiencing shortage of medicines and vaccines as of (this) speaking, and this legislation will definitely be a remedy for our struggling supply chain,” said House health committee chairman and Quezon Rep. Helen Tan.
