The Department of Health (DOH) advised against the inclusion of prescription medication in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) home-care kits, noting that it may cause more damage than benefit to patients undergoing home quarantine. 

“Kapag nagbigay tayo ng homecare kits, ‘wag ho tayo maglalagay ng mga prescriptions, medications,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a Palace briefing.

“Baka ito ay mas magkaroon ng harm sa ating mga kababayan rather than giving them that benefit.”

Vergeire made the statement after receiving questions about the comparison of the “Kalinga” kits to other home care kits provided by other organizations. 

Netizens compared the DOH kits to the kits given by the Office of the Vice President which has a thermometer, pulse oximeter, medical supplies, vitamins, face masks, disinfectant, and medicines. The DOH Kalinga kits only have face masks, soap, alcogel, disinfection spray, and basic medicine.

Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo said in April 2021 that everything in her office’s home care kits was based on the recommendation of doctors whom her team consulted. 

Vergeire thanked local government units that gives for free and added more items to the home-care kits.

“Kami rin po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga organisasyon at ibang mga local governments na talagang mas tinaasan pa nila ang antas ng mga components o mga laman ng kits na meron tayo,” she said. Ronald Espartinez