GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija -- A Nueva Ecija legislator has assailed Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, for its alleged continuous effort to conceal the drug's real condition and ill-effect to patients.
Rep. Estrellita Suansing wants Sanofi punished for the problems the vaccine caused to the public, particularly the children who received it and their parents.
She, however, believes that government officials involved in the haste should also be punished.
"And what is bad is that Sanofi is not recognizing that there are problems. And what they are saying is it is safe and effective," Suansing, who authored House Resolution 480 that called for investigation of the Sanofi contract with the Department of Health (DOH), said.
She also wants Sanofi to lay down corrective actions such as provision of vitamins to those vaccinated.
"Those responsible should be held accountable," Suansing said, adding that she would dig deeper into the contract entered into by the DOH and Sanofi for possible criminal prosecution when the hearing resumes next year.
She said while she understands Sanofi as product seller, the DOH should be held more liable.
"Anybody can offer products. So it is the one who decided to buy so let us ask the DOH on why they did it buy?" she added.
This, as Suansing revealed that a grade six pupil is now confined at the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRRMC) in Cabanatuan City for severe nose bleeding.
The girl, who hails from an indigent family in Quezon town that falls within her district, received the complete three doses of Dengvaxia when she was in grade four, according to the lawmaker.
Suansing also expressed belief former President Benigno Aquino III was not given enough briefing on the anti-dengue vaccine by his officials. It was the desire to address the dengue problem that may have pushed him to allow procurement of the vaccine, she said. (PNA)
