DOH: No shortage of Paracetamol, flu medication in PH

Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday assured the public that there is “no ongoing shortage” of Paracetamol and other medicines for flu-like symptoms in the country, but cautioned against “hoarding, panic-buying or unnecessary purchases” of such products.

In a statement, the DOH said it consulted major drugstore chains and local manufacturers and suppliers in light of reports that there is an alleged shortage of such medicines.

“The DOH would like to assure the public that while there is an observed increased demand for such products, there is no ongoing shortage in the Philippines. Paracetamol has many generic alternatives in the market, which are available in many drug stores nationwide,” the department said.

“We would like to appeal to consumers however to refrain from hoarding, panic-buying or unnecessary purchases of such medications when not clinically warranted,” it added.

The DOH said it is “constantly monitoring the status of supply of critical medicines for COVID-19 including supportive medicines for symptomatic treatment.

It also assured that it is working with relevant government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the industry to “secure the needed health products for the country’s response to COVID-19.”

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez also said his department has not yet received reports regarding a shortage of paracetamol, which is a drug taken to treat mild to moderate pain caused by headaches or colds, among others, and to lower fever.

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JPV