📷: Health Secretary Ted Herbosa
Health workers expressed grave alarm over reports that Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and several DOH officials are facing multiple administrative and criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaints stem from the alleged unauthorized release of ₱44.6 million worth of psychiatric medications to a private civic organization, the Rotary Club of Quezon City, without coordination with designated government health facilities.
According to media reports, the drugs in question were nearing expiration and were allegedly released using the name of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), despite no formal request from the institution. Health groups decried the move as a blatant violation of public trust, accountability protocols, and healthcare regulations.
“As our public hospitals continue to suffer from severe medicine shortages, especially for costly psychiatric treatments that many patients cannot afford, this situation is simply unacceptable,” said the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW). “It exposes a shocking level of inventory mismanagement, the absence of oversight, and potential manipulation of resources intended for the most vulnerable.”
The AHW also raised broader concerns regarding Secretary Herbosa’s persistent refusal to engage with health workers, who have repeatedly requested dialogues to address urgent issues such as job insecurity, unpaid benefits, and chronic understaffing. “Instead of responding to long-standing concerns, we now see the DOH allegedly distributing millions-worth of sensitive psychiatric drugs through unofficial channels,” the group added.
Health workers demand:
– A full independent investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman
– Immediate suspension of officials under investigation to ensure impartiality
– A transparent audit from the Commission on Audit
– Public disclosure of all medical supply releases under the current DOH leadership
“At a time when the nation is battling extreme public health, economic, and political crises, the integrity of public officials and institutions must be non-negotiable,” AHW emphasized.
Health workers vow to remain vigilant in their commitment to deliver essential services, while closely monitoring developments in the complaints against Herbosa and other implicated officials. They call on all Filipinos to stand with them in defending truth, justice, and accountability in the health sector. (ZIA LUNA)
