LUBAO, Pampanga—Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda disclosed that medicines in the provincial and district hospitals are now under consignment basis with accredited suppliers and pharmaceutical companies.
The governor said this is to ensure adequate supply of medicine at reasonable prices inside public hospitals.
Through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), capitol entered into a contract with four drug companies namely: Brixed Pharmaceuticals; Qualifirst Health Inc.; Steritex Medical System and Euromed Laboritories.
Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, PHO officer, said these companies will supply medicines to the pharmacies inside the government hospitals.
Pineda said that this move will guarantee poor families with the availability of medicines in the provincial and district hospitals at lower prices and pharmacies around cannot monopolize and control the prices of medicines.
“Through consignment of medicine, poor patients will have a choice where to buy medicine,” she said.
On the allegations that some doctors are owner or stockholder of pharmacies near the government hospitals, the governor ordered doctors from provincial and district hospitals not to instruct patients to buy medicines outside if these are available at the hospital’s pharmacy.
Jaochico said the consignment of medicine started last May so patients should be aware that government hospitals in the province are now loaded with medicines.
He added that under the consignment contract, the hospital will pay the supplier only the amount of medicine purchased for a certain period.
“Liban sa kumpleto na sa gamot ang ating mga ospital, babayaran lang natin sa supplier kung magkano iyung mabebenta ng ospital,” the doctor said.
The list of items consigned to the provincial and district hospitals include dextrose and other fluids, injectable and oral medicines.
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
