The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that it is closely monitoring medicine prices as the country faces an oil supply crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the government anticipates possible ripple effects on various products due to higher transportation and production costs.
“Sinusubaybayan natin ang presyo ng… lahat naman ng produkto ay maapektuhan dahil kagaya ng mga ibang produkto — gamot, damit, pagkain — lahat ‘yan ay puwedeng tumaas dahil sa epekto ng krisis sa ating Gitnang Silangan,” Herbosa explained in a radio interview.
Despite the threat of price hikes, Herbosa assured that the country has sufficient medicine supplies.
“As of now, marami pa tayong supplies… mayroon kaming mga stockpile ng gamot… naka-standby ‘yan para sa ating mga kababayan, sa ating mga ospital… so mayroon naman tayong supplies. Wala pa naman tayong shortage of anything,” he said.
The DOH emphasized that while vigilance is necessary, the public should not worry about shortages, as government stockpiles remain ready to support hospitals and communities.