Dellosa eyes cheaper drugs for AFP hospital

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa has promised to step up measures that would lower the cost of medicine in military health institutions and prevent deals that could bloat their prices.

During the 75th anniversary of the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC) early this month, Dellosa said the military is working to improve the procurement system in the hospital.

“We are working on speeding up the procurement process of much-needed medicines and medical supplies in coordination with the AFP-CES (Commissary and Exchange Services) to ensure the availability of the basic medical needs of our patients,” he said.

“The transactions of procuring medicines should not involve a third party. If we could purchase directly from the company, this would minimize the cost and prevent under-the-table transactions that bloated the price of medicine,” he added.

Dellosa noted that AFP-CES is exempted from taxes so the medicines it would buy could be sold at low prices.

A military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The STAR Dellosa ordered a review of the AFPMC’s procurement system. The officer said the leadership is investigating the establishment of a Botika ng Bayan in the hospital, which affected the pharmacies outside the AFPMC. 

Another source said Dellosa has ordered a probe on allegations that a supplier of the hospital has bagged a contract that lasts for more than 30 years.

“Most of the pieces of equipment are owned by the supplier and it seems mandatory to buy the reagents and other disposables from same supplier at a marked-up price,” the source said.

The source declined to identify the company and supplier to avoid preempting the results of the investigation. The source said there are documents that would detail the supply arrangements but they are confidential for now.

Other issues that are reportedly being probed include the alleged ghost delivery of more than P1 million worth of food and high cost of equipment.

Dellosa said some people in the AFPMC are taking advantage of their patients’ plight to achieve personal gains.

“Don’t they have any conscience? Don’t they realize the sacrifices and hardships that our soldiers had to endure? That the ones they are taking advantage of are those who risk their lives for our sake?” Dellosa said without elaborating.