Probe of P39-B expired meds sought

A SENATOR filed a resolution seeking inquiry into more than P39.28 billion worth of expired medicines from 2015 to 2024.

Under Senate Resolution No. 403, Senator Rafael T. Tulfo raised healthcare issues faced by Filipinos, primarily the lack of access to medicine amid an overstock of drugs as reported by the Commission on Audit (CoA).

“Medicines continue to be among the largest out-of-pocket 20 healthcare costs of Filipino families; thus, it is necessary to conduct an inquiry in order to determine accountability, identify the responsible officials,” the resolution read.

From 2015 to 2018 alone, the CoA reported P18.5 billion worth of medicine losses, followed by P2.2 billion in 2019.

In 2020, P95 million worth of medicines expired, followed by P85 million in 2021, P7.4 billion in 2022, P11.18 billion in 2023, and P134 million in 2024.

Mr. Tulfo, in the resolution filed on May 25, said the inquiry will address lapses within the Department of Health (DoH), which resulted in the reported overstocking and non-utilization of medicines.

“Medicines and medical supplies procured using public funds are reportedly being left to expire in DoH warehouses and health facilities rather than reaching their intended beneficiaries,” he said, noting that many Filipinos are deprived of access to free supplements and medicines for those with diabetes and hypertension.

The CoA in April flagged the Health department for P217 million worth of expired medicines, warning that as of December 2025, P476.5 million worth of medicines are set to expire.

In 2025, then-sitting Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Sherwin T. Gatchalian also called out the DoH for the wastage of medicines, which he pointed out that could have been used for the benefit of the public health sector.

“I find CoA’s findings of DoH mismanagement of funds resulting in expired and near-expiry supplies alarming and deeply troubling at a time when many Filipinos continue to be deprived of adequate healthcare,” Mr. Gatchalian said in a statement.

He added that the non-utilization of the medical inventory of the DoH reflects inefficiency of the department to maximize their budget. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel