Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa announced on Monday, Dec. 23 that senior citizens will no longer need to present a purchase booklet to receive a 20 percent discount on medicines under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
The decision was formalized in DOH Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2024-0017, which eliminates the previous requirement for seniors to carry a purchase booklet, alongside a valid ID and doctor's prescription, to qualify for the discount.
The booklet had been used to track details of over-the-counter medicine purchases, such as the type, quantity, and location.
Herbosa acknowledged the inconvenience of carrying the booklet, saying, “I am also a senior citizen. I know it is hard to always bring a purchase booklet with you. Seniors need the discount on their medicines, and we must make it easy for them to get that.”
He added that the removal of the purchase booklet requirement is a “Christmas gift” from the government to provide more convenience for senior citizens.