Duque: ‘Bond paper’ prescription in distribution of ivermectin in QC must be probed

This screenshot from a RadyoINQ video shows packets of ivermectin capsules distributed by Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta and Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor in Quezon City on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs to investigate the alleged “token prescriptions” provided to recipients of ivermectin given away for free by two lawmakers in Quezon City.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said this Friday, stressing that the law is clear regarding the issuance of prescriptions, which should contain complete details of the issuing physician or medical practitioner.

“Ang atin kasing mga batas ay malinaw. For example, all prescriptions must contain the name of the prescriber, office address, professional registration number, professional tax receipt number. ‘Di pwede ‘yung token prescription lang,” Duque said during an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.

“Kung totoo man ‘yun na nakalagay daw sa bond paper lang, so part of what the FDA needs to do is to investigate such reports. But the accountability is clear, it’s the doctor who prescribed it that must answer for his actions,” he added.

On Thursday, Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta and Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor distributed ivermectin capsules to Quezon City residents.

Earlier, the Department of Health reminded the public that only hospitals that were granted special permits could give ivermectin to COVID-19 patients since there is no ivermectin drug registered in the country for human use.

So far, the FDA has already granted compassionate special permits to five hospitals, allowing them to use the antiparasitic drug to people who have COVID-19.

“Yung mga doctor dun sa ospital they can already prescribe these for human use against COVID-19 infection,” Duque explained.

“But they have to follow the protocol, for which the compassionate special permit was issued. So may conditions ‘yan, there’s an enumeration of what has to be done,” he added.

If requirements on ivermectin distribution were followed in the Quezon City event of Marcoleta and Defensor, then, Duque said, he does not see “anything illegal about it.”

“But I do not know the whole story. I do not know the details of the dispensation and prescription, how it was done because I also received reports, nilagay lang daw ‘yung pangalan, pero walang PTR (professional tax receipt) number, ‘di malinaw,” he said.

“Of course, I am alarmed and concerned if that is indeed verified to be true. Kasi sabi-sabi lang lahat eh. So we need evidence,” he added.

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