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Philippine Health Chief Denies Delay in TB Drug Procurement
Philippine Health Secretary Jose Brittanio “Brix” S. Pujalte, Jr. denied allegations of deliberately delaying the P3-billion procurement of anti-tuberculosis drugs. He stated he would cooperate with an Ombudsman investigation into the matter and a complaint accusing him of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Health Secretary Jose Brittanio “Brix” S. Pujalte, Jr. denied allegations that he deliberately delayed the P3-billion procurement of anti-tuberculosis drugs and said he would cooperate with an Ombudsman investigation. Mr. Pujalte said the procurement requires careful review to verify the quantity, quality and safety of medicines and ensure compliance with government rules. An 18-page complaint filed by anonymous health advocates accused him of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by allegedly halting the procurement process to favor an unnamed supplier. The complainants asked the Ombudsman to impose preventive suspension and file criminal charges. Mr. Pujalte said due diligence should not be interpreted as an attempt to delay the tuberculosis (TB) program or deprive patients of medicines. — Edg Adrian A. Eva Information Source: BusinessWorld Nation
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BusinessWorld Nation