Medicines management in the Philippine public sector during the response to Haiyan

Authors

  • Roderick Salenga College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines; Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Yolanda Robles College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
  • Monet Loquias College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
  • Francis Capule College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
  • Anna Melissa Guerrero Pharmaceutical Division, Department of Health, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.2.HYN_012

Abstract

Introduction: Health service delivery in the Philippines is constantly challenged by disasters and emergencies. This descriptive study documented existing policies for medicines management in the Philippines and then assessed these in the public sector response post-Haiyan.

Methods: We used desk a review of existing laws, regulations and related issuances and a series of interviews of key informants from various national and local health agencies.

Results: We found that while numerous national policies covered critical aspects of medicines management, implementation post-Haiyan was problematic at all levels of the decentralized health-care system. We identified issues of quantification, warehousing, distribution, utilization monitoring and disposal. Donated medicines also added additional burden for storage and disposal, especially for expired and unwanted medicines.

Discussion: While the process of managing medicines during disasters did not differ greatly from non-emergency situations, the Haiyan experience highlighted the system’s weaknesses. With the current gaps in implementation, as well as the logistical obstacles brought about by disasters, there is a need to have integrated mechanisms for medicines management in the Philippines. This assessment provided an important opportunity to review the medicines management policies at national and local levels.

Author Biography

Roderick Salenga, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines; Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

National Professional Officer (Essential medicines and Health Technologies)

Published

06-11-2015

How to Cite

1.
Salenga R, Robles Y, Loquias M, Capule F, Guerrero AM. Medicines management in the Philippine public sector during the response to Haiyan. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2015 Nov. 6 [cited 2024 Nov. 23];6(5). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/361