DOJ: Indictment over Dengvaxia not meant to fuel fear vs vaccines

MANILA, Philippine –The decision to indict former and current officials of the Department of Health (DOH) in connection to the purchase of Dengvaxia vaccines must not be used to stoke fear against government’s vaccination program.

This was the explanation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its resolution, charging former Health Secretary Janette Garin and several others over Dengvaxia.

According to DOJ, the indictment of Garin and others should instead serve as a reminder that health officials have a higher degree of accountability and caution because they deal with the public’s welfare.

“Holding to account those who neglect to discharge their duties to the public with utmost caution and competence is the best deterrent against repetition in the future of the criminal neglect exhibited by respondents herein,” DOJ said in its resolution released Friday.

“It is likewise the best assurance that all government health programs – immunization drives included – will conform to the highest standards of safety and efficacy,” it added.

Based on the DOJ resolution, Garin and several others should be prosecuted for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide for the death of school children inoculated with Dengvaxia.

READ: DOJ indicts ex-DOH chief Garin, et al. for Dengvaxia ‘mess’

The case against Garin is the first of a string of complaints that will reach the court. Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said the case will be filed before regional trial courts.