Delos Santos calls out city health department

Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos has called out city health officer Dr. Daisy Villa for conducting vaccination in Barangay Lahug without proper coordination with the barangay officials.

In a privilege speech before the City Council, De los Santos lambasted Villa for doing pneumococcal and flu vaccination at Lahug Gym last Sunday without the knowledge of the barangay officials.

The city council requested the City Health Department to submit a list of pneumococcal and flu vaccine documents being received attached with dates and specific number of vials. The CHD is likewise requested to submit the distribution system of the said vaccines per barangay.

The CHD is urged to observe “proper courtesy” in the delivery of health services in the different barangays regardless of political affiliation. In her speech, de los Santos said she was motivated to address the matter which, according to her, touches upon the principles of governance, collaboration, and respect that are foundational to the rules as public servants.

The councilor, who had also served as Barangay Captain of Lahug, narrated that it has come to her attention that the City Health Department administered the vaccination drive without proper coordination with the barangay officials.

“While the intent to protect our residents from pneumonia and the flu is commendable and crucial, the way this activity was conducted raises concern and question about the protocols and courtesy that should underpin our governance and public health efforts,” said delos Santos.

Delos Santos then lists down her questions and concerns of the activity. Among those she cited was the lack of awareness among the health centers staff, adding that they should be the ones performing it.

“Third, why was it conducted on Sunday and not during weekdays? Was it hastily arranged?” delos Santos further questioned.

Aside from these, De los Santos also questioned if the vaccines came from the Cebu City health department and why was the barangay captain “bypassed”.

She added, it was unlikely, since in the previous activities Dr. Villa had always coordinated with the barangay captain.

According to De los Santos, the “breach of protocol” is concerning, adding that is not mere a procedural oversight but also a very serious lapse in ensuring the “efficacy, efficiency, and community engagement essential in the public vaccination program.”

“In my recent text conversation with Dr. Villa, it was disheartening to witness her apparent attempt to sidestep crucial issues of protocol and coordination with the barangay officials,” De los Santos said.

She added that despite her concerns over the lack of barangay level coordination and the resulting confusion among Lahug residents, Dr. Villa’s response allegedly seemed to “deflect the core issue” that the barangay officials were overlooked on the matter.

“May I remind Dr. Villa that it was the barangay officials who possess a first-hand of their community’s demographics, health problems, and social dynamics,” she said.

She then highlighted the essential role of the barangay officials and why they are the key factors in the relationship between government services and community needs.

Delos Santos added that in vaccination programs trust is paramount, especially among those who need the vaccines the most.

According to de los Santos, the incident last Sunday highlights an important issue that demands immediate attention, namely the need for transparency, proper inventory, and system of distribution for the pneumococcal and flu vaccines.

She said the “haste” of the vaccination drive conducted in Lahug not only raised questions on the procedural aspect but also casted “doubts” of the reasons behind the urgency.

“Is there a scramble to use these vaccines before they become unusable?” she aked.

Delos Santos also said that the haste may be a result of poor planning and attempt to “mask the efficiency” of the distribution process.

“Dr. Villa, even though I don’t share the same political ideology with your boss, you have nothing to lose when you show good manners in the pursuit of your health programs,” she said.

“In fact, you gain everything, because amidst the political differences, standing firm with non-partisan approach in the delivery of health services, not only shows integrity, but also strengthens your mission,” she added.

Delos Santos emphasized that her intention is not to point fingers but rather a call for reflection in order to attain better coordination, communication, and cooperation.

The councilor then hopes that the mission to carry out health services will be reaffirmed with common courtesy and respect and with adherence to protocols to safeguard the public regardless of the political affiliation. --