COA flags DOH over P95M expired drugs

The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Department of Health (DOH) over P95.15 million worth of expired, near-expiry, and idle drugs and medical supplies.

COA identified P6.61 million in expired items, P20.06 million in near-expiry items, and P69.01 million in overstocked or slow-moving inventories.

The audit report highlighted deficiencies in procurement planning, distribution systems, and internal controls as contributing factors to the problem.

COA recommended that DOH take concrete steps to address these issues to prevent further wastage of government funds and improve the health system.