BAGUIO CITY May 15 – The Manila-based Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) clarified that the institution does not withhold nor withdraw donations from any party to any receiving hospital or laboratory as donations, especially on test kits, proceed strictly between the donor and the done without interference from the facility.
In a statement released by Angelie Jane Blanco, head of the RITM communications and engagement office, the institute is not privy to discussions between benefactors, beneficiaries and third-party suppliers.
However, she claimed that RITM does conduct validation of local and international Corona Virus Disease (COVID) 2019 test kits at the behest of the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines but is not, in any way, involved in the accreditation, regulation and final approvals of such test kits.
The RITM issued the statement on a posted new item on the facebook page of the Baguio City Public Information Office on the alleged non release of the 4,000 PCR-based test kits that was donated to the local government by SM foundation.
Blanco stated that the institute is also not the proper authority to flag, nor hinder, the manufacturing and distribution of health products.
Likewise, she pointed out that only the supplier or merchant or the health department, through the FDA, may make validation results public
By Dexter A. See