Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan appeared to be confused, whether to go on approving the proposed Bohol Hospital’s Consignment System or not during the second reading on its regular session on December 10, 2019.

This came following Sangguniang Kabataan representative Christian Bolos questioned the proponent BM, Dr. Elpidio Bonita, on furnishing of copies of the legislative measure in so little time that there was no enough time for them to read and study.

Bolos said that he only received his (copies) a day before the session. He said he preferred to have a hard copy of the proposed measure.

Because of this scenario, presiding officer neophyte BM Aldner Damalerio had to declare recess the session for three times.

After they huddled, they finally decided to defer the second reading until the next session, it was learned.

“Under the consignment system, the essential drugs and medicines, as well as medical, dental and laboratory supplies, will be delivered by their owner (consignor), without sale, to the Provincial Government of Bohol (consignee), thus, no budgetary allotment and no disbursement of government funds are involved since payment will be based on actual drug sales of the respective hospital pharmacies. The consignor and the consignee will also enter into a Consignment Agreement to ensure that the terms and conditions are not disadvantageous to the government,” Bonita assured.

The proposal is in line with the government thrust to “health development reforms of the provincial government, and cognizant of the principles of the local autonomy pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) wherein Local Government Units are empowered to create their own sources of revenues and enter into joint ventures, either in their governmental or corporate powers.”

It also cited Republic Act No. 6675, as amended, or the Generics Act of 1988, that provides “it is the policy of the State to ensure the adequate supply of drugs with the generic name at the lowest possible cost.”

Under section 2 of the ordinance covers the consignment system of drugs, medicines and medical, dental and laboratory supplies in all the ten (10) hospitals owned and operated by the Provincial Government of Bohol.

If approved, the selling price to the public of the consigned drugs, medicines, medical, dental and laboratory supplies and reagents shall, in no case, be higher than the prevailing price of the same items in local private pharmacies and outlets. (rvo)