Cayetano calls for DOH chief replacement over delayed vaccine deliveries

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is calling for the replacement of the Department of Health (DOH) chief, citing significant delays in vaccine deliveries.

Cayetano highlighted that flu vaccines expected by July or August have not yet arrived by November 26, and the existing stock is nearing its December 31 expiry date.

He expressed concern that the DOH is not delivering enough vaccines, and when deliveries do occur, they are late and the vaccines are close to expiring.

During the Senate plenary hearing on the DOH's budget, Cayetano questioned the current leadership's ability to prevent similar delays in 2026, noting that other countries like Cambodia and Laos do not experience such delays.

Senator Pia Cayetano acknowledged a major procurement problem and stated that the procurement officer had been dismissed.

She also mentioned intense competition among bidders for vaccine procurement, which involves billions of pesos.

Alan Cayetano emphasized that bidders who obstruct the procurement process should be held accountable.

The Philippines is reportedly short of its target of completely immunizing 95% of children against vaccine-preventable diseases, with only 61% reached as of January 2025.