CCMC consignment scheme assures fresh, cheap medicine

CEBU, Philippines - Drugs, medicines and other medical supplies for the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) will now be acquired on a consignment scheme. Instead of buying in bulk, the city government will only be paying for goods consumed.

City Councilor Lea Japson’s ordinance approved by the City council states that the consignment system will assure availability of stocks since it will be the suppliers’ responsibility to provide appropriate storage facilities for the goods and monitor their shelf life.

A “First Expiry First Out” rule will be implemented to all the suppliers.

To ensure that the goods are not overpriced, the ordinance mandates that the selling price of the consigned items should not be higher than the prevailing price in the local pharmacies. Only a markup of 20% will be allowed.

Part of CCMC’s mission is to provide quality public service through increase in revenues. Income generated from the consignment system will be used to upgrade hospital facilities, operations and infrastructure. It will also allow them to hire additional personnel in the hospital.

The ordinance covers all divisions, offices, programs and other ventures of CCMC.

Japson envisions that the aim of the new system will improve and expand medical services by providing the Cebuanos with an availability of cheaper and fresh drugs, medicine and supplies all year round.

CCMC is the only hospital owned and operated by the City government. It was created through City Ordinance No. 1508 in 1994 with the aim of providing adequate medical care to the underprivileged and a training facility for accredited Medical and Paramedical schools in the city. (FREEMAN)