The government has set a limit on the purchase of flu medicines amid tightness in supply due to unprecedented surge in demand following a sharp rise in COVID cases in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The limit is contained under Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 22-01 Series of 2022 “Setting of Purchase/cap for Paracetamol, Phenylephrinehydrochoride, Carbocisteine, and Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol” by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Health.
The JMC was signed by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Tuesday, Jan. 11 with immediate effectivity.
Based on the JMC, retailers are ordered to limit the purchase of 500 mg tablet to 20 pcs per individual and 60 per household; paracetamol 120 mg/5ml, 60ml suspension is 5 per individual and 10 per household; and for 250mg 5ml, 60ml suspension is 5 per individual and 10 per household
For phenylephrinehydrocholoride, chlorphenamin e maleate, and paracetamol with dosage of 2.5 mg.500 mcg.125 mg per 5 ml, 60 ml suspension the limit is 5 per person and 10 per household. Purchase of Carbocisteine 500 mg/5ml, 60 ml is limited to 5 per individual and 10 per household and sale of 200 mg/5 ml, 60 ml suspension is 5 per person and 10 per household.
Retailers are also directed to post notices in conspicuous places within their outlets, advising consumers of the quantity of medicines they are allowed to purchase.
The JMC also emphasized that unless otherwise allowed by the Food and Drug Administration, online selling of medicines is not permitted.
The JMC was issued to prevent artificial shortage and price escalation of over the counter flu medicines and ensure the availability of these medicines until such time that their supplies become stable.
The ceiling on the purchase of the specific flu medicines shall continue to be effective until the DOH declares the supply stability of these medicines.
The DTI and DOH are among the implementing agencies under the Price Act, the Consumer Act, and the Cheaper Medicines Act, with the DOH taking charge of drugs and DTI with reference to all other basic necessities and prime commodities.
The E-Commerce Act of 2000 also authorizes the DTI to perform such other functions in the area of electronic commerce to include, but shall not be limited to quality and price monitoring system for goods and services aimed at protecting the interest o the consuming public.
Violators of the JMC shall be liable under the applicable provisions of the Price Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines, and/or other relevant laws, rules and regulations.
DTI Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said the issuance of the JMC does not mean there is shortage in local production. “We just want supply in retail stores to meet the demand. Deliveries need to catch up with demand,” she said.
Castelo further said that Unilab, the maker of popular OTC flu medicines, has confirmed they have supply for the next two months. “Deliveries are now being expedited,” she added.