DOJ orders NBI to probe P3.5-B anti-dengue drive controversy

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the controversial P3.5-billion anti-dengue vaccination program of the Department of Health (DOH) that is feared to have put at risk the health of thousands of children, who were vaccinated even without prior infection of the disease.

READ: Pharma firm issues caution on use of anti-dengue vaccine

In a Department Order (DO) issued on Monday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II gave authority to the NBI to “conduct [an] investigation and case build-up over the alleged danger to public health arising from the P3.5 billion anti-dengue vaccination drive of the DOH and Sanofi Pasteur and if evidence so warrants, to file appropriate charges thereon.”

The DO is addressed to NBI Director Dante Gierran.

Aguirre also required the NBI to submit a status report on their investigation regarding the issue.            /kga