By Myris Lee
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday said an indemnification law is needed for the government to import COVID-19 pill Paxlovid in bulk.
In the April 22 Laging Handa briefing, Duque said hospitals in the country are authorized to import and use the pill to COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.
“Hindi lang po tayo makapag-angkat ang gobyerno nang maramihan dahil ang hinihingi ng kumpanya para magbenta sila nang direktamente sa gobyerno ay dapat mayroon ding indemnification [law],” he said.
“Kung saka-sakaling may problema sa paggamit ng Paxlovid, sinisigurado nila na hindi sila hahabulin, hindi ka madedemanda,” he added, referring to the indemnification clause.
The World Health Organization recently endorsed the use of Pfizer’s antiviral pill to treat high-risk COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, Duque stressed the importance of complete COVID-19 vaccination with booster shots. – ag
