MANILA – The Department of Health on Thursday said its response to the pandemic has always been guided by science and with the help of expert groups, as it assured the public it continues to take steps on improving the health system.
The DOH issued the statement in reaction to the findings of the State of Southeast Asia 2021 survey which shows that 6.0 percent of respondents from the Philippines strongly approve the government's response to the pandemic; 19.4 percent approve; 20.9 percent neutral; 35.8 percent disapprove; and 17.9 percent strongly disapprove.
Meanwhile, 72.2 percent of respondents from the Philippines want "more scientists and medical doctors to contribute to public policy discussions and heed their advice".
“From the beginning, the DOH’s policies, guidelines, and actions have always been guided by science through our expert groups, including the Technical Advisory Group, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, the Health Technology Assessment Council, and many more groups composed of experts from different fields of study organized to ensure appropriate and efficient actions for the benefit of the public and betterment of the nation,” the DOH said.
The agency added that it strives to improve its work and fulfill its mandate of protecting and upholding public health "to the highest standard".
“The government’s response is only as good as the institutions who implement it, and the people who comply with it – every Filipino, every family, and every community has the ability and responsibility to contribute towards national healing,” it said. (PNA)
