An attached agency of the Food and Drug Administration has to explain why it sat on more than 600 applications from pharmaceutical companies for no apparent valid reason, some of which date back as far as 2014.
OVER 600 drug applications that could save the lives of millions are languishing at the Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR), the Anti-Red Tape Authority has bared.
Prompted by reports of deliberate delays on the part of CDRR which is under Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ARTA recently issued a show-cause order to the delinquent office, to explain its alleged inaction for the drug applications submitted by pharmaceutical companies.
In a statement Tuesday (May 11), ARTA said CDRR Director Jesusa Cirunay has to explain why her office has taken no action over the applications even the pharmaceutical companies have submitted complete requirements.
The show-cause order stemmed from 23 affidavits filed by several pharmaceutical companies claiming that the CDRR has yet to act on their applications, some of which were filed as far back as 2014.
ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica said they found out that these applications are not complicated.
“These are the applications for automatic renewal. These are products that were already used before and they now just want to be registered. Some of the products are low to no risk to people,” Belgica added.
If the CDRR director fails to comply, ARTA said it will file formal charges for violation of Republic Act No.11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery law, before the Office of the Ombudsman. (ONT/With report from PNA)
Tags: #AntiRedTapeAuthority, #FoodandDrugAdministration, #drugapplications, #redtape