Aquino demands Ona to answer more issues

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo is Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – Aside from the issues on the government’s vaccination program, President Aquino wants Department of Health Secretary (DOH) Enrique Ona to answer “three to four” other matters.

Ona is currently on leave while under investigation for allowing the procurement of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 10 contrary to what was advised of international health experts.

The President said that there are three or four other items that he needs to check with Ona after the investigation on the vaccines.

“And if I remember correctly, at least two of those investigations have been concluded. I am waiting for my copy,” he said but refusing to provide more details.

Recently, Ona has been in the hot seat after news about the PCV 10 vaccines surfaced. Apparently, he allowed purchase of PCV 10 despite the advise of the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management, the Formulary Executive Council and the World Health Organization to purchase PCV 13.

While PCV 10 is cheaper, PCV 13 is most cost-efficient because it can protect children from more diseases.

Ona already submitted to Malacañang his explanation for his deciding to purchase PCV 10 saying that his decision was intended to “optimize limited government resources.”