Roxas to DTI, DOH on A(H1N1): Be ahead of the curve

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas stressed that the government, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Health (DOH) should ensure fullest possible access to critical goods needed to deal with a possible Influenza A(H1N1) emergency situation.

"Pangunahan na ng gobyerno ang sitwasyon. Dapat maghanda ito sa posibleng pagbulusok ng A(H1N1) Flu. Dapat abot-kamay ng publiko ang mga kinakailangang produkto para sugpuin ang sakit na ito," he said.

"The supply of Tamiflu is not the only critical element. Once an emergency situation sets in, the demand for preventive products like disinfectants, sanitizers, alcohols, masks, and even multivitamins could shoot up. The government has to be ahead of the curve and be prepared for this scenario," he stressed.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce said DTI and DOH, together with other government agencies involved in combating A(H1N1) flu, should form a task force to identify all critical goods and preventive products, monitor their prices, secure their sources of supply and prepare for possible price controls.

"The government should also be on the guard against unscrupulous businessmen who take advantage of the situation, as well as against misleading advertising messages prescribing sham cures", he said.

"Hindi dapat payagang abusuhin tayo ng mga loko sa negosyo. Dapat mangibabaw ang interes ng publiko sa lahat ng oras, lalo na sa panahon ng kagipitan," the former DTI secretary said.

"Information should be delivered as to which disinfectant products in the market are most effective in preventing the spread of the virus," he added.

Furthermore, he said the task force should give special focus to urban poor communities that are the most vulnerable to disease contagion because of congestion, lack of water and lack of access to preventive and curative goods.

"Magtulungan tayo. Magsama tayo’t labanan ang problemang dala ng AH1N1 sa ating bansa," Roxas said.