MikeLigalig.com

More Filipinos are expected to benefit from the government initiative for the poor with the full implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Law.

The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public of the reduction of medicine prices with the full effect of Republic Act No. 9502, otherwise known as the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs).

One of the effects of the Cheaper Medicines Act is the release next month of a price control list which includes some 25 drug categories, among which are medicines for hypertension, diabetes and cancer, DOH Undersecretary Alexander Padilla said.

He added that the DOH is on the process of reviewing and identifying the drugs that will be included in the price control list.

He also said the department is studying the possibility of importing drugs which are scarce locally, particularly those for cancer treatments. He also admitted that since the IRRs of the new law took effect, more generic medicines are now entering the country.

Padilla said the new law has also required manufacturers who hold drug patents to make generic counterparts or equivalents of their patented products.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Capiz continues to serve more Capiceños through the sale of cheaper medicines in the various government hospital pharmacies in the province.

source: PNA

Its funny how this subject has come up while I was enjoying my reflex at my ussual place one sr. citizen couple was not happy about the Sr. Citizen so called 20% because the E-Vat Mike is still being imposed on medicines so the Sr. Medicine rate is almost a lost caue as it it.

Medicines in the Philippines are very cheap as compared to the standard here in the United States.
Let alone, there is no such thing as prescription medicine.
Anyone can go to a pharmacy and purchase antibiotics, anti-eliptics, beta-blockers, diuretics etc.

In the United States, drugs are either: 1) over the counter 2) prescription required. It is illegal and a Federal as well as a State offense to give prescription medicines to patients without a formal order from a physician.