THE Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said the supply of medicine is adequate, with prices remaining stable in the face of rising oil prices.
“Despite skyrocketing oil prices, PHAP members are again exerting all efforts to keep medicine and vaccine prices stable, as we implement longer yet safer alternative logistical routes for medicines coming from the affected region,” the group said in a statement on Monday, referring to the need to bypass the war zone in Ukraine.
“Aside from the war, we continue to monitor any sudden spikes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and their potential impact,” it added.
“PHAP members are closely monitoring developments in the region with the uncertainties brought by the war. As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAP again commits to work with the government to ensure the continued supply of medicines and vaccines in the Philippines,” it said.
“We will also continue to provide recommendations to the government on ways to make medicines and vaccines available to Filipino patients as the country faces the pandemic and the consequences of the war in Ukraine,” it added.
According to the PHAP, its members implemented measures to address supply risks at the start of the pandemic. These measures included chartering flights and finding alternative sources of medicine, which increased operating costs. However, the group said the additional costs were absorbed and not passed down to patients.
Meanwhile, the PHAP expressed its support for the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), which is calling for the safe delivery of medicine and vaccines for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
“Among the EFPIA members that are offering humanitarian support for Ukraine and neighboring countries are Astellas, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, MSD, Roche, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and Takeda. These companies also have local presence, and are likewise members of PHAP,” the group said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
