Civil Society and Patient Groups Call on DOH to Address Recurring TB Drug Stock-Outs, Offer Solutions
TB patient groups and civil society organizations are calling for stronger government action and closer coordination to ensure Filipinos undergoing tuberculosis treatment have reliable access to essential medicines. Urgent Medicine Access: TB patient groups and civil society organizations are urging the Department of Health to address recurring TB drug stock-outs, warning that treatment interruptions can worsen illness, contribute to drug resistance and create substantial financial burdens for affected Filipino families. Economic Consequences: A modelling study presented during the discussion estimated that a one-month stock-out of first-line medicines affecting 2,663 patients with drug-sensitive TB could result in approximately US$21 million in economic impact, with households carrying most of the burden. Bayanihan Approach: Advocates are proposing stronger collaboration among the DOH, local governments, healthcare providers, civil society, patient communities, technical partners and the private sector, alongside improved forecasting, procurement, distribution, stock monitoring and community reporting. Recurring shortages of tuberculosis medicines are prompting TB patient groups and civil society organizations in the Philippines to call for urgent action from the Department of Health, as advocates warn that disruptions in treatment can have consequences extending well beyond individual patients. The call was raised during a roundtable discussion on strengthening reliable and sustainable access to TB medicines held on August 25 at the Bayview Hotel in Manila. The gathering brought together TB-affected communities, civil society organizations, health professionals, local government representatives, technical partners and other stakeholders. "No to TB drug stock-outs!" advocates declared during the event, underscoring their call for sustained efforts to make sure people undergoing TB treatment can continuously access the medicines they need. A Recurring Challenge for
Source: TechPinas
http://www.techpinas.com/2026/09/Civil-Society-Patient-Groups-DOH-TB-Drug-Stock-Outs-Solutions.html