@ABSCBNNews HIV/AIDS org says antiretroviral medicines are stuck in Customs. Maybe the media should look into this. pic.twitter.com/3EPlNDDdmh
— Jeff Crisostomo (@jeffcrisostomo) September 3, 2014
As it turns out, there was a pressing issue within the PLHIV (People Living with HIV) community regarding a delayed shipment of certain medicines needed by HIV patients. These boxes are apparently being held by the Bureau of Customs pending the payment of P5 million in taxes. This has resulted to the shortage of these medicines in Metro Manila and provincial HIV treatment hubs.
The Philippine Department of Health, in turn, issued this statement:
According to this, an initial batch will be released by this week, with the rest scheduled for release the following week. It also stated that there are enough supplies available for the patients pending the full release of the packages.
Here are some of the online reactions regarding this issue:
PH has 585 newly diagnosed HIV cases (July) and most of them are in need of antiretroviral meds -- now held up at Customs
— inday espina varona (@indayevarona) September 2, 2014
Customs naman!! RT@ryan_chua DOH says it is working on immediate release of antiretroviral drugs for HIV being held at Customs port
— Margaux Salcedo (@margauxsalcedo) September 3, 2014
Let us help HIV patients get the medicines that they need. The CUSTOMS are refusing to release the drugs. @ANCALERTS pic.twitter.com/dQd97Wq7B6
— ηίςσ αßellσ gσzσs (@nicoabellogozos) September 3, 2014
Ngayon lang?? @ryan_chua: Customs bureau says DOH filed import entry this afternoon for release of shipment of antiretroviral drugs for HIV”
— bogst (@bogstt) September 3, 2014
It is amazing how the power of social media can "force" people to expedite things. I shudder at the thought of what would have happened had the letter of request not circulated the internet today. I can't even begin to imagine what would happen if the PLHIV group runs out of medication.
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