Inventory of H1N1 medicine ordered to prevent hoarding
The Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6) here has ordered its licensing and regulatory division to conduct an inventory of the supply of the Oseltamivir drug in Western Visayas to avoid the misuse and hoarding of the medicine that can cure the H1N1 virus.
“There will be no dispensing if there is no prescription from doctors,” DOH–CHD 6 regional director Ariel Valencia said. “We are also doing campaign for all doctors not to prescribe this if there are no indications.”
Valencia said that the medicine should not be used as a prophylaxis only.
“There has to be no misuse and abuse of this drug because it might create resistance. This is the only help we have now,” he added.
The DOH during a press briefing here disclosed that the H1N1 virus is sensitive to Oseltamivir.
The DOH official issued the order amid reports that those who could afford to buy the said drug are already making purchases even if there are no indications of the H1N1 virus.
The DOH also reiterated its appeal to the public to always avoid self-medication.
Valencia said stocks of the medicine will also be coming from their head office within the week as part of their contingency measure in case the dreaded virus reaches the country.
They have also set meetings with the health workers particularly those belonging to West Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Iloilo City and Corazon Lacson Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMRH) in Bacolod City to teach them proper handling of suspected H1N1 cases.
WVMC and CLMRH are designated as government centers for H1N1 cases in the region.
Valencia assured DOH in the region is prepared for any eventuality. (PNA)