Duque: Immunization program ‘suffering’ due to loss of trust
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has renewed an appeal to parents of school children to not lose their trust in the government’s other immunization programs.
During a press briefing at Las Piñas District Hospital on Friday, Duque said the “vaccination program of the DOH (Department of Health) in general is suffering.”
“Even measles, for example, even... there are cases of diphtheria reported to the DOH, much more cause of worry is the measles outbreaks in ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), Region 12 (Soccsksargen), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), [and] 11 (Davao Region). And I think as of the other day, we have a total of 440 cases of measles,” said Duque.
He reiterated that the other vaccines have been tried and tested by the department.
“Nakakasiguro po tayo na makakapagbigay ito ng sapat na proteksyon laban po sa mga sakit na pwedeng makamatay, at sana maiwasan po natin ang pagka- karoon ng maraming outbreaks dahil mamaya habang puno ang mga ospital natin ay hindi po natin kakayanin ito,” Duque said.
The health secretary said that DOH is still investigating the hospitals in Cavite that reportedly refused to admit a dengue patient, identified as Rizesa Salgo.
“Initial explanation is something that I found unacceptable. Because tingin ko, very superficial at hindi malinaw, kaya kinakailangan na ang Region 4A (Calabarzon) Director Rio Magpantay ay siyang mag follow-up nito at kumpletuhin ang mga dokumento at ebidensya para kung magpasya man ang DOH na sampahan ng kaso ay matibay ang mga ebidensya,” Duque said.
He had already warned medical institutions their license may be revoked if they refuse to attend to the medical needs of a patient.
Duque has been visiting different medical institutions to check whether they are following the guidelines in treating dengue patients, especially the children inoculated with the Dengvaxia vaccine.