COA report: BuCor bought excess meds

The Commission on Audit (COA) has questioned the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for overstocking P15.5 million worth of medication for its inmates, and for the poor quality of food it serves detainees that endanger their health and safety.

“Actual demand [and needs] of patients were not considered in the procurement of drugs and medicine,” the annual audit report said.

The BuCor’s total consumption of medicine only reached 14,018 units last year, which was relatively low compared to the 231,919 units of medication it had received, the report showed.

The COA said the BuCor received 99,300 Verapamil tablets for high blood pressure last year, but only 3,450 tablets were actually issued to inmate patients.

The audit body directed the bureau to ensure safety stock levels, avoid excessive purchases and conduct public bidding for drugs and medicine.

There was no comment from the BuCor on the report.

The COA also flagged two of three BuCor caterers for failing to comply with the food safety requirement under the food subsistence agreement. —JHESSET O. ENANO