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[av_heading heading=’Pleading ignorance’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
EDITORIAL
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Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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IN THE CONGRESSIONAL hearing on Monday, former President Aquino claimed, “I would have stopped [the Dengvaxia vaccination] because it seemed contrary to the supposed decades-long studies and results shown.”
Regardless if the vaccine worked perfectly or not, his statements cannot quell the suspicion of foul play and connivance between government officials and a foreign multi-national company. It takes months or even years for hospitals to have approved budgets for modernization, additional health workers, or free medicines, and then here came a P3.5-billion vaccine deal which was approved within less than 30 days! Even former Budget secretary Butch Abad cannot make under-spending as an excuse since there were plenty of public health projects and necessities that could have been financed properly, but why a sudden mass immunization campaign? The involved government officials cannot blame the people from doubts since facts point toward hastiness – and possibly even ill-intent.
Is the former president playing clean in the Dengvaxia fiasco? Is his claim of lacking knowledge on the risks of the Dengvaxia enough reason for him and his administration to be cleared of accountability?
It must be recalled that some Department of Health officials and other groups of doctors have expressed concern about the safety of the said vaccine on a national scale. Despite this, the previous administration still rushed to purchase a million doses.
Meanwhile, current Health officials must genuinely step up efforts in addressing the needs of children vaccinated with Dengvaxia, and for transparency in its dealings. Equip government hospitals and centers to respond to children needing medical assistance. Increase the number of health personnel that could respond to such cases and those that could go around and monitor the kids. Ensure free and comprehensive programs and services for the children, and even for the very worried parents.
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