The Department of Health on Friday warned against overpricing an investigational drug used on COVID-19 patients.
The department said a 100-milligram vial of remdesivir must only cost P1,500 to P8,200.
The department, in its warning, cited a joint administrative order with other government agencies that those “found to have committed any illegal act of price manipulation would be penalized administratively and criminally.”
The Philippines continues to battle a surge in COVID-19 infections that health authorities have attributed to new coronavirus variants, increased mobility and relaxed adherence to health protocols.
The department advised the public to send complaints on overpriced remdesivir to pddrugpricemonitoring@gmail.com.
The department also said the use of the investigational drug required a compassionate use permit from the Food and Drug Administration.
The country’s supply of remdesivir and tocilizumab, another drug also used on COVID-19 cases, was replenished last month after a shortfall.
