IT WAS reported that the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines could be expected by February 2021. But it is less likely to achieve this considering that we are on the last week of the month.
Almost everyone, if not all, is excited to be vaccinated to feel safe and secured against the virus. Unfortunately, government officials announced that there would be a delay due to paperwork.
Just recently, it came to my knowledge that one of the causes of delay is the indemnification fund or program.
Do we really need this indemnification fund or program? Yes, of course.
This is required of countries because the vaccines are still under emergency use authorization (EUA). It has limited or no full data available yet on the full-effects of the vaccine after it has been received by the individual.
This is needed to answer whatever unexpected adverse effect of the vaccine. Under the program, the distributing entities and manufacturers will not be held liable for that effect.
This is a bit risky because these vaccines were only granted emergency use approval during the pandemic. We cannot sue the distributing entities and manufacturers because we are aware that the data is not complete yet and we use them because of a national emergency.
This is no easy task and responsibility. For now, the ball rests with Congress because it still needs to pass a law creating an indemnification program to access the vaccines bought through agreements between the Philippines and the manufacturers.
The funds to be used are not covered by the General Appropriation Act (GAA). Thus, a law is needed for funding.
The Department of Health (DOH) is in charge of the implementation of the indemnification program. It will be the agency that will determine if there are any adverse effects to the individual. Funds will be administered by PhilHealth.
Congress has already sponsored a bill on this matter. It is doing its best to expedite the process. The bill aims to expedite the procurement by exempting the process from public bidding and granting tax exemptions, supplies, and equipment to be procured.
The bill authorizes the DOH and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) to engage in negotiated procurement under emergency cases. Even local government units (LGUs) and private entities are allowed to purchase vaccines or even accept donations. However, they are required to sign a multiparty agreement with the national government and the manufacturer.
Hopefully, considering the urgency of this matter, no one would go against this measure. The lives of the Filipinos are at stake. We are already left behind./PN
