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Philippines: Pharmaceutical firms commit stable supply, prices
MANILA, Philippines — The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) has reiterated its commitment to ensure stable supply and prices of medicines and vaccines following the declaration of a state of public health emergency throughout the country amid increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Our members commit to exert all efforts to ensure that medicines are available especially in this time of public health emergency. We have in place a business continuity plan and emergency management plan so that supply of medicines is uninterrupted,” PHAP executive director Teodoro Padilla said.
He said the group is also working on keeping prices of essential medicines stable.
President Duterte has declared a state of public health emergency nationwide as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has risen.
Some of the cases were classified as contracted through local transmission.
Apart from ensuring stable supply and prices of medicines, PHAP members have also taken steps so its employees would be protected from the virus.
Should the outbreak be sustained over the next several months, PHAP employees would be playing a crucial role in making sure medicines and vaccines would remain available to the public.
Given the impact of COVID-19, PHAP president Beaver Tamesis said there is a need for investments on research and development, as well on the supply chain.
Some PHAP members are involved in the research and development for medicines, vaccines and diagnostic tools that would be helpful in addressing COVID-19.
“The role of the pharmaceutical industry is crucial in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Pharmaceutical companies enable the research and development of innovations and technologies. Once available, our goal is to immediately bring these life-saving innovations into the country in partnership with the government,” Tamesis said.
PHAP groups Filipino and global providers of life-saving medicines and vaccines in the country.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/03/10/1999467/pharmaceutical-firms-commit-stable-supply-prices