The city council has authorized Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for the procurement and dispensation of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab drugs to treat Covid-19 patients who are bonafide residents of Baguio.
The MOA was anchored on the case investigation conducted by the Department of Health that indicated the local transmission of the Covid-19 Delta variant in the city.
The city government partnered with BGHMC to ensure drugs and other medical supplies are readily available to treat patients with mild to severe cases.
The BGHMC has been granted a compassionate special permit by the Food and Drug Administration and the sole authority to procure Remdesivir and Tocilizumab drugs, which are approved as anti-viral medication against the Covid-19.
The local government earmarked P8.1 million for the procurement of the anti-viral drugs in preparation for the projected surge in Covid-19 cases once the Delta variant hits the city.
Under the agreement, the city will release and transfer to BGHMC the amount, which will be used exclusively to purchase the two anti-viral drugs; undertake monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the agreement and participate in the identified activities; refer patients for pre-qualification and assessment by BGHMC who will receive the anti-viral drugs; submit a verified letter of request to BGHMC indicating the names of patients to whom the anti-viral drugs will be given; ensure the requested allocation of the drugs is given to the intended patients in the aforesaid letter; and deliver and turn over to Baguio the procured anti-viral drugs, among others.
The BGHMC will procure the anti-viral drugs in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations; provide reports and updates on the procurement of the items subject of the agreement; and notify the local government in writing of any changes, delay, or concern relating to the procurement of the medicines.
It should also treat the fund transfer as a trust liability and maintain a separate subsidiary ledger and ensure that the funds are properly used for the purpose, subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations; issue an official receipt immediately upon receipt of the funds; and administer, manage, and disburse the funds from the city for the intended purpose and in accordance with existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
It should also refund to the city any unused balance of the funds transferred within 10 days after the completion of the procurement of the medicines, among other related duties and responsibilities. – PIO release
April 26, 2024
