Careful with that precious commodity

- Advertisement -

THIS is the first time that this nation of islands and seas is facing the challenges of distribution and handling of that very precious commodity — the COVID-19 vaccine — and it is just to be expected that problems will surface.

First, 30 vials of vaccines for COVID-19, and more for tuberculosis and polio were destroyed in a fire that hit the Misamis Oriental provincial health office last April 14. The province was just lucky that it had inoculated some 6,000 health workers and had not yet received a big batch of Sinovac vaccines before the fire happened.

Then, there’s the incident in Quezon province last May 14. A motorized, outrigger boat carrying a huge cargo of COVID-19 vaccines and medical paraphernalia was on its way to Polillo island, particularly the towns of Polillo and Burdeos, when it hit an old concrete post at the port in Barangay Ungos, causing the boat to keel over. The policemen and Department of Health personnel escorting the vaccines promptly saved the vials and transferred them to another boat.

‘These incidents … are sadly concerning because it takes a lot of money and effort for the vaccines to reach the Philippines.’

- Advertisement -

The boat captain of the vessel that capsized told police that he was not familiar with the location of the old concrete post in the port, so that he accidentally hit it. This is just an indication that the government workers in charge of vaccine distribution at the Kapitolyo in Lucena City are remiss in their logistical requirements.

And then, this latest development on COVID-19 vaccine boo-boos. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has noted that damage caused to 348 vials of CoronaVac — the vaccine made by China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. — by a power outage in Makilala town, North Cotabato, followed by other handling mistakes by local government employees there.

Cusi said the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) reported a power outage in Makilala municipality that lasted for one hour-and-a-half at around 1:30 pm on May 7. Strong winds in South and North Cotabato were the reason for the brownout. The vaccine freezer was transferred to a generator set supply by the local health workers. Unfortunately, and for whatever reason, it was not connected back to the main line when the power was restored. Secretary Cusi said it took two days before the employees realized that the freezer they were using to store the vials of CoronaVac had not been running.

These incidents in Makilala, in Misamis Oriental and in Quezon province are sadly concerning because it takes a lot of money and effort for the vaccines to reach the Philippines. The problem is not only slow distribution of the vaccines, slow inoculation, and resistance from the general population. Challenges of handling the very precious commodity are real.

Cusi urged the diligence of every one concerned so that the Makilala gaffe will not happen again. This appeal should be replicated and publicized throughout the country.

Author

- Advertisement -
Previous article
Next article

Share post: