The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated on Tuesday, Feb. 20, that both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are subject to a 20 percent discount for senior citizens.
READ: https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FDA-Advisory-No.-2014-054.pdf
"In the law, it is clear that a prescription is only required for drugs classified as prescriptive drugs, and under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act, OTC drugs, it can be seen here that a prescription is not required," FDA Attorney III Pamela Angeline Sevilla said in Filipino during the interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
She highlighted the common complaint that pharmacies often demand prescriptions for OTC drugs meant for senior citizens, contrary to the law's provisions.
"Hindi dapat ganito kasi malinaw sa batas na pag OTC ang bilihin, ang tanging documentary requirement po na kailangang i-present ng senior citizen ay ang senior citizen ID lang or any ID na nagpapatunay na senior na ang tao (It shouldn't be like this because it's clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status)," Sevilla clarified.
However, she acknowledged that non-compliance persists, leading to increasing complaints to the FDA and resulting “confusion.”
"Sadly, on our part, itong mga establishment na ito ay granted to operate ng FDA, so kung may mga reklamong dumarating sa amin, gusto lang naming linawin na ito ay benepisyo para sa ating mga senior citizen (These establishments are granted permission to operate by the FDA, so if complaints come to us, we just want to clarify that this is a benefit for our senior citizens)," Sevilla pointed out.
Concerning this, the FDA urges pharmacies and establishments to assist and educate senior citizens in distinguishing between prescriptive drugs and OTC medicines to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.
"Tulungan natin sila, hindi 'yung dadating na sa punto na hihingan natin ng reseta kahit na over the counter naman ang gamot (Let's help them instead of reaching the point where we ask for a prescription even though the medicine is over the counter),” she noted.
Vitamins discount
Moreover, Sevilla clarified that, whether vitamins are prescribed or OTC, senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount.
"Sinasabi sa batas na ang vitamins and minerals supplements, bilang sila ay classified as food supplements ay kinakailangan na may prescription (The law states that vitamins and mineral supplements, as they are classified as food supplements, require a prescription)," Sevilla emphasized.
She added: "Pero kung itong multivitamins ay over-the-counter na nabibili dahil siya ay considered as drug, then hindi nito kailangan ng prescription (But if these multivitamins are available over the counter because they are considered drugs, then they do not need a prescription).”
In line with this, Sevilla encouraged consumers to utilize the FDA's verification portal or seek guidance from knowledgeable pharmacy staff if uncertain about the classification of a particular medicine.
Verification portal: https://verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php
Senior citizens and PWDs' separate benefits and discounts
Meanwhile, in response to a question about whether the benefits for senior citizens are the same as those for persons with disabilities (PWDs), Sevilla said, "As of now, I know this is being discussed by our lawmakers."
"May separate po na batas para sa ating mga PDW, ang umiiral pong batas dito sa ating senior citizen ay ang RA 9994, at ibang batas naman sa mga PWD (There is a separate law for our PWDs; the existing law for our senior citizens is RA 9994, while there is a different law for PWDs)," she added.
Furthermore, Sevilla said that for pharmacies violating RA 9994, elderly individuals can lodge complaints with the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs within the Local Government Unit to file complaints against pharmacies' non-compliance.
Additionally, she reminded the public that those who abuse the privileges of the law will face corresponding penalties.
Sevilla reiterated the commitment to addressing senior citizens' concerns, recognizing the importance of these benefits for their well-being.
The FDA said that it continues to uphold these regulations, ensuring that senior citizens receive the benefits entitled to them under the law.
Moreover, on Feb. 19, the FDA updated the list of VAT-exempt vital drugs.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/fda-updates-list-of-vat-exempt-medicines