MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is now launching its own probe into Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp’s alleged tampering of face shield manufacturing dates. Additionally, the department has also suspended further deliveries from the controversial firm.
The alleged tampering of manufacturing dates of face shields was uncovered during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last week. In the hearing, an unidentified warehouse staff of Pharmally revealed that they repacked face shields that were substandard. The witness also stated that they were instructed to change the manufacturing dates of face shields. Pharmally executive Krizle Grace Mago later admitted that the firm indeed modified the expiration dates of the face shields sold to the government.
Amid the revelations, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has now ordered his department to conduct formal investigation. According to Health Undersecretary Charade Mercado-Grande, the DOH is now fast-tracking its investigation. The department is ready to take necessary legal remedies if the face shields are proven to be tampered with.
“The DOH has decided to suspend acceptance and further deliveries of face shields from Pharmally pending the conclusion of the investigations in the department. We are aware of the statements made by Pharmally employees about the tampering of the production date on the certificate. Out of prudence and caution, the DOH has decided to suspend the succeeding deliveries to protect the interest and safety of our healthcare workers.”
DOH statement
The DOH has received over 500,000 pieces of face shields from Pharmally. The department has not paid the Pharmally due to incomplete deliveries.