Health exec: Medicines for Apas not ‘confiscated’

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Health Department did not confiscate the medicines intended for Barangay Apas, contrary to the claim of some officials of the barangay.

“Ang gibutang man gud is confiscation. Gi-confiscate daw. Wala man na gi-confiscate. Actually, mo-end naman ang year and nag-inventory ang City Health Department. There are other barangays nga kuwangan na ang tambal from DOH and there are other barangays nga sobra ang ilang stock against sa lista sa mga patients,” said Kenneth Siasar, hospital administrator of the Cebu City Medical Center, during a clarificatory meeting yesterday.

Siasar also denied the  allegations of barangay Capt. Ramil Ayuman that the medicines are being used for the Long Life Medical Assistance Program of Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Last week, Ayuman alleged personnel of the City Health Department “confiscated” at least 4,680 medicines allocated for the barangay.

The incident was recorded in the barangay’s logbook and was described as “confiscation”.

Ayuman said earlier he will file a complaint before the Department of Health.

City Health Department chief Dr. Alma Corpin begged off from commenting, saying Siasar was asked to answer queries on the incident.

Siasar said all medicines stored at the barangay health centers were collated by CHD so the expiry dates could be checked.

He said the health department found out that like barangay Apas, only over 100 patients were listed but the barangay health center has over 1000 medicines.

Siasar said there are other barangays that are in need of the medicines, adding, that CHD is just making the number of medicines equal to the number of patients per barangay.

“Actually, ang atong gi-coordinate ang nurses and doctors sa health center kay concern na sa doctors and health centers. Direct sa City Health Dep’t man na sila,” he said, admitting, nevertheless, that CHD did not coordinate with barangay officials.

Siasar said CHD has had experience coordinating with barangay officials but it was reportedly tainted with politics.

After the inventory, CHD will be redistributing the medicines to other barangays.

“Walay gi-confiscate man gyod nga tambal nga gi-deprive ang mga tambal sa mga barangay. In the next coming days, if ma-collate na tanan. And ma-equal og hatag gyod ni sa City Health. Gi collate pa man tanan tambal including other barangays,” he said. (FREEMAN)