MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday confirmed that there is a shortage in the supply of remdesivir and tocilizumab, which are used as investigational drugs to COVID-19.
“The current stocks of remdesivir and tocilizumab are running low. The remaining supplies being used by select hospitals are donations from the WHO,” DOH said.
Health department’s statement was released following the report of some hospitals asking for additional supplies of the said therapeutics.
According to DOH, its Disease Prevention and Control Bureau previously allocated P1-billion for a possible procurement of additional remdesivir.
However, the World Health Organization said on October 2020 that “it (remdesivir) had little or no effect on overall mortality, initiation of ventilation and duration of hospital stay in hospitalized patients.”
On May 2020, WHO led the “Solidarity Trial” on some off-labeled drugs, including remdesivir.
The DOH explained that in order for the government to procure additional supplies of remdesivir, it must secure an emergency use authorization and positive recommendation from the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the use of investigational drugs under its Compassionate Use Permit.
Meanwhile, the Health department also confirmed that the supply of another therapeutic dexamethasone is at risk.
“We have enough supplies (for dexamethasone). However if additional supplies do not arrive and considering the current trend of infection, supplies may only last for another 2 weeks at most.”
The department said it will allot P5-million to each of its facilities, including specialty hospitals in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon to replenish their COVID-19 medicine supply.
“Rest assured that DOH and FDA are at the forefront of ensuring COVID-19 drugs and medicines are safe and effective for use.”
Aside from therapeutics, the DOH said hospitals in NCR will be needing more units of high flow nasal cannula as the “surge” of cases brought more patients in health facilities.
There are a total of 1,318 high flow nasal cannula among private and public hospitals.
The Health department said it will propose the inclusion of P1.20-billion budget under Bayanihan 3 to procure 2,550 units of nasal cannula.
“Our hospitals in regions nearby NCR are on alert and on standby to receive patients should occupancy rates of our beds and ventilators exceed capacity.”
