The City of Manila has purchased 2,000 vials of Remdesivir, an antiviral drug developed for the Ebola virus. However, it has a potential to hasten the recovery of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, the drug was procured with a price of Php 6,500 per vial.
The Manila government spent a total of Php 13 million but Mayor Isko has assured that the amount is “nothing” compared to the survival or recovery of a sick constituent. The Manila City government has guaranteed that they are prepared to purchase more if necessary.
The drug will be used for almost 185 COVID-19 patients with mild, moderate and severe symptoms in the 6 district hospitals of the city. 7 to 11 vials are needed by each patient to fully recover.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), it is not prohibiting LGUs to buy Remdesivir provided that they will comply with the proper process such as acquiring a Compassionate Special Permit that will require reporting to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of any adverse effects in patients.
Report from Patrick De Jesus
