Philippine News Agency
Duterte wants probe into alleged overpriced Covid-19 test kits
President Duterte has ordered an investigation into the alleged overpriced medical equipment and test kits purchased by the government for its COVID-19 response.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that President Duterte is concerned about the price difference of testing kits and the potential P8.3 billion loss raised by Senator Franklin Drilon.
Drilon questioned PhilHealth's payment of PHP8,150 per Covid-19 test, stressing that it is double the price of PHP4,000 per test being done by the Philippine Red Cross.
He also noted that PhilHealth's cost estimate is more expensive than the PHP1,500 price tag for each Covid-19 test kit in China.
Roque stated that the President wants answers regarding the significant discrepancy in prices and procurement, and the matter will be referred to Undersecretary Jesus Melchor Quitain.
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President Rodrigo Duterte defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III anew amid allegations of overpriced procurement of COVID-19 testing equipment.
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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon welcomed PhilHealth's decision to lower its COVID-19 test package price by 50 percent, but insists the agency should peg it at a much lower rate.
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President Duterte ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate a local supplier, identified as the Co couple and their company Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems Inc., for allegedly overpricing medical equipment, specifically Covid-19 testing kits and machines.
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Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque will forward the issue of alleged overpricing in PhilHealth's COVID-19 testing packages to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP).
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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is calling for a revamp of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) due to an alleged overpricing scandal involving its COVID-19 testing packages.
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