DOH: P105-M spent on SARS monitoring, prevention drive

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has cost the government approximately P105 million in monitoring and preventive expenditures, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

However, Dr. Consorcia Quizon, DOH spokesman, said the amount was well-spent since the government’s anti-SARS campaign was effective in controlling the spread of the disease in the country.

"That amount was used to contain SARS that infected 12 people until the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Philippines SARS-free in May," Quizon said.

Aside from the 12 confirmed SARS carriers, a total of 80 people were also kept in quarantine for manifesting SARS symptoms like fever, cough and body pains. However, they turned out free from the pneumonia-causing disease.

Of the P105 million, Quizon said about P5 million was taken from the DOH’s own funds and was used to buy protective gear for medical personnel involved in the treatment of SARS cases.

The amount was also utilized to cover the overtime pay of the anti-SARS medical team and for the medicines of patients.

The rest, Quizon said, came from the P1-billion fund which President Arroyo earmarked for anti-SARS programs.

She said P100 million was spent to procure protective gear and infrared scanners in airports to screen passengers for SARS symptoms and to upgrade the "referral hospitals" for SARS patients.

The unused P900 million now serves as a standby fund in case SARS re-emerges in November as forecast by WHO.

"We have not really gotten rid of SARS. Having no reported cases of SARS infection is different from getting rid of the disease. So we really have to be always on our toes," she added.

Meanwhile, despite declaring two female overseas workers free from SARS a few days ago, Quizon said the DOH still traced the people who might have had contact with "MS" and "MT."