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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health has been accused of failing to renew its memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Medical Association, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, and Association of Hospital Administrators to establish an express lane for people injected with Dengvaxia vaccine who would seek medical treatment.
The Samahan ng mga Magulang, Anak at Biktima ng Dengvaxia, along with the group’s president Sumachen Dominguez, volunteer-parent Rhea Lyn Jusayan raised concern over the vaccine’s adverse effects on more than 800,000 children, including her survivor child.
There was also the alleged non-renewal of hospital arrangement between the DOH and various medical facilities to treat children suffering from the ill effects of the anti-dengue vaccination in 2016 until 2017.
There was no immediately available reaction from the DOH.
In related developments, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for directing the Department of Health to prioritize the fight against tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infections in addition to COVID-19.
“It is important to continue the fight against HIV and TB infections, even as we focus on the ongoing battle against COVID-19,” said Go.
The parents appealed to President Marcos Jr. to investigate the plight of those inoculated with the Dengvaxia vaccine, saying the DOH had neglected them because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They anchored their fear on a November 2017 official statement of Sanofi Pasteur Inc., the vaccine manufacturer, posted on its official website that the vaccine had four adverse side effects—severe dengue, anaphylactic reaction, viscerotropism and neurotropism — on a person who is inoculated without a prior dengue infection even years after the inoculation.
Another member, Angelica Dioquino, said her daughter died after receiving the jab due to severe dengue infection.
“As a volunteer-parent, there are parents still approaching me for help but what can we do? There is no more Dengvaxia express lanes,” Jusayan told reporters.
“There are no more Dengvaxia surveillance officers,” she said.
Ian Colite of Imus City, Cavite, the father of Zandro whose death was also linked to the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine, questioned the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service for still filing Dengvaxia-related cases before the metropolitan trial courts, instead before the Supreme Court-designated family court in Quezon City.
He said the state prosecutors could face a disbarment case.
In the Senate, Go said the infections could have serious consequences for individuals and communities.
“Addressing them is crucial for the overall health and well-being of our population,” said Go
“By making the campaign against HIV and TB infections a priority, we can ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to prevent and treat these conditions, and protect vulnerable individuals from their devastating effects,” he added.
Marcos earlier ordered the DOH to “refocus again on public health concerns”, including the fight against HIV and TB infections, alongside the campaign against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by independent research group OCTA Research revealed that at least 70% of adult Filipinos are pleased with the performance of the current administration’s programs that are related to health care.
Results from the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from October 23 to October 27, 2022 show that 73 percent of the respondents are satisfied with the high quality and reasonable cost of health care in the country.
“We must start to prioritize general public health to promote the overall health and well-being of the Filipino people. We must ensure our preparedness for potential health threats and take preventative steps to protect them from these threats,” he added.
Meanwhile, consistent with his advocacy to improve the country’s healthcare system, Go filed several health-related measures, including Senate Bill 189 which seeks to provide free annual medical check-up for all Filipinos.
Other health-related measures also make up the bulk of Go’s priority bills filed in the 19th Congress.
These include SBN 190 which mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to fully cover all costs of dialysis treatments, sessionsand procedures done in health facilities accredited by PhilHealth; SBN 195 and 196 which aim to establish the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virology Institute of the Philippines respectively; SBN 191 or the Advanced Nursing Education Bill; SBN 421 establishing an Emergency Medical Services System; SBN 427 providing benefits and compensation to Barangay Health Workers; and SBN 428 which seeks to establish Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers nationwide.
“It is our job in the government to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. A strong healthcare system can help to prevent and control the spread of diseases, and it can also play a key role in promoting public health and reducing healthcare disparities,” said Go.
“It can also help to support economic growth and development by enabling individuals to live healthier, more productive lives. Ultimately, strengthening our healthcare system is essential for the overall health and well-being of our society,” he added.