Rep. Castelo urges gov't to form consortium for bulk medical supply purchases

Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo is urging the government to create a consortium for bulk purchasing of medical supplies to combat price surges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Castelo expressed dismay over the escalating prices of medical goods due to a bidding war among donors, hospitals, and patients.

She called on the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Finance (DOF) to intervene, stop price manipulation, and crack down on hoarders and unscrupulous suppliers.

The lawmaker warned that without intervention, only well-funded hospitals and affluent patients would be able to access essential supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE) and medicines.

Castelo suggested that the DTI and DOF could directly procure these items and distribute them at cost, or appoint a private consortium of businessmen to handle bulk purchases and resale at reasonable prices.

She highlighted the scarcity of even basic medicines and the potential dire consequences for poor patients and underfunded hospitals if access to supplies remains limited.

Castelo noted that many healthcare workers are resorting to makeshift protective gear due to the unavailability and high cost of proper supplies.

She reminded the relevant government agencies of their mandate under the Bayanihan to Heal As One law to procure medical supplies efficiently and ensure their availability and affordability, especially for the underprivileged.

The law also obligates these agencies to pursue hoarders, profiteers, and price manipulators.