Prohibition on the Sale of PPEs and Other Medical Supplies Donated by Other Public/Private Entities and Distributed by the DOH and the Department Mandate on the Strict Compliance of the Mandatory Price Freeze Imposed upon PPEs and Other Medical Supplies Pursuant to Department Memorandum No. 2020-0144-A for the Duration of COVID-19 Health Event

April 28, 2020

DOH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 2020-0200

 

The Department of Health (DOH) recognizes that the outpouring of donations intended to address the COVID-19 situation such as medicines, medical equipment and supplies, and other health products, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are acts not intended to gain favors or to influence government action. They are acts of altruism and generosity of citizens, non-government entities, foreign nationals, and foreign governments in this time of need.

The DOH received information that Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other medical supplies donated by other public/private entities and distributed by the DOH to public and private hospitals, sanitaria, institutes and other healthcare facilities are sold by the latter during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Department strictly prohibits the sale of donated PPEs and other medical supplies. All concerned individuals and entities are forbidden to sell donated PPEs and medical supplies. Likewise, the charging of the value of the same in the patient's billing is prohibited if the aforementioned items are donated items. This prohibition shall apply to all hospitals, sanitaria, institutes and other healthcare facilities, whether public or private. The DOH reiterated that these donations should NOT be sold, rented, or otherwise offered in exchange for monetary or other considerations to final recipients or users such as patients and health care workers, among others.

Further, the DOH and its attached agencies shall, in compliance with Administrative Order No. 27, s. 2020 by the President, document, and report to the Office of the President through the Executive Secretary and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) any and all such acts whereby donations are sold, rented, or otherwise offered in exchange for monetary or other considerations. Furthermore, the Department reiterates that the price freeze imposed by Department Memorandum No. 2020-0144-A dated April 14, 2020, especially the price mandated for PPEs and other medical supplies must be strictly complied with. CAIHTE

This is to provide guidance to all partners and stakeholders to take necessary steps to address the ongoing global concern on the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Dissemination of the information to all concerned is requested.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health