SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has scored Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Achilles Bravo for the agency’s alleged “negligence and lack of concern for Filipinos,” particularly the youth who suffer from venomous snakebites and rabies from dogs.
Tulfo raised concerns about the rising mortality rate among victims of snakebites and rabies, saying many of these cases could have been prevented or treated effectively if the DOH did its responsibilities.
On May 6, 2024, Tulfo also condemned the DOH for the insufficient supply of antivenom in the country, especially in remote provincial areas.
Asked about the issue, Bravo suggested that Tulfo should direct his inquiries to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) rather than him. This response angered Tulfo, who pointed out that RITM operates under the supervision of the DOH.
Tulfo expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of coordination and monitoring of RITM by the DOH, emphasizing that Bravo seems indifferent to the situation.
