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Photo: Sinovac
MANILA, Philippines – Vaccines donated by Chinese biotechnology firm Sinovac, due to arrive this weekend, have yet to undergo evaluation by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), a group of doctors from the General Hospital of China said on Saturday. Philippines (PGH).
The HTAC, an advisory body, reviews the cost, ethics, and community impact of an anti-Covid-19 drug.
In a statement, the PGH Physicians Association said the vaccine program should “have been handled with more prudence and transparency.”
“The PGH PA is adamant that Sinovac, despite being the only vaccine available, should undergo an evaluation by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) to facilitate individually informed decision-making before being administered to health workers. health. We trust that HTAC will formulate these recommendations promptly and judiciously, ”the statement read.
“As a national university hospital, PGH must set an example on how the implementation of vaccination should be carried out in the country. PGH must uphold the ideals of ethical and evidence-based medicine, for which it has been a stronghold. This must be achieved with the constant dissemination of information and internal consultation of all interested parties ”, he added.
The group of doctors also urged “public vigilance” over the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program.
“Let’s not lose sight of critical thinking, especially with matters related to our own health, monitoring updates and developments in COVID-19 vaccination. Public surveillance is key, ”he said.
The advisory group of the nation’s health department, made up of health experts from different sectors, said that Sinovac vaccines have not yet undergone the HTAC evaluation because they are donated and not acquired by the government.
Sinovac was also recommended by the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases for healthcare workers. He cited data that the Chinese-made drug is “50 percent effective at preventing mild symptoms and 100 percent effective against moderate to severe symptoms.”
CFC
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