MikeLigalig.com

"There is a need to check the market if the Cheaper Medicines Law is being implemented in local pharmacies."

This was the statement issued by Prov'l Board Member Yul Lopez, chair of the committee on health of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

With the media hype given on Pres. Arroyo's ordered 50% reduction in prices of some 21 drugs, the provincial official said that its implementation remains to be seen especially in the provinces.

For better guidance of the public, The Bohol Chronicle published on page 10 of this issue the list of medicines with reduced prices.         

The medicines are classified: anti-hypertension, anti-cholesterol, anti-thrombotic, anti-diabetic, antibiotic, and anti-cancer drugs.

The most expensive medicine listed in the reduced price cut is Bleomycin, an anti-cancer drug which is sold at P3,520 (instead of P9,750). The other expensive medicines getting the 50% reduction are Tazocin, P1,270 (instead of P4,614) and Piperacillin P730 (instead of P2,175), both antibiotic drugs.

Lopez said DOH should create the task force to inspect pharmacies in the province.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III is mandated to form the task force composed of representatives from DTI, DOH, DILG, BFAD and the local government units.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bobong Yap, a pharmacy owner branded the reduced medicine prices as a mere "political gimmick" of the government. With only 21 medicines included, it is less expected to have an impact among the greatest number of Filipinos considering that hundreds of medicines are sold here. - the Bohol Chronicle

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=21854.0