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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Using senior citizen discounts on medicine? Here are some reminders from FDA

Using senior citizen discounts on medicine? Here are some reminders from FDA

Published Feb 29, 2024 04:35 am

A reminder to all senior citizens nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued reminders regarding the terms and conditions of the 20 percent senior citizen prescription purchase discount.

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Photo from Pixabay

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the FDA reminded that Section IV.2 of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2012-0007-A provides a 20 percent discount on vitamins and mineral supplements in addition to everyday medications.

However, the FDA clarified that the discount applies to prescription and over-the counter (OTC) drugs, including both generic and branded varieties.

It also clarified that the discount “does not apply” to food, devices, or their components.

The FDA said to avail of the discount, senior citizens or their representatives must present identification documents specified in Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9994, such as an ID issued by the city or Municipal Mayor or Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the senior citizen's Philippine passport, or other government-issued documents indicating the senior citizen's age.

Meanwhile, a doctor's prescription is “not required” to purchase “over-the-counter medicines.”

The FDA said senior citizens are encouraged to bring their purchase slip booklets to record details of over-the-counter medicine purchases.

It emphasized that all drug outlets and hospital pharmacies are mandated to provide a 20 percent discount upon presentation of the required documents.

Non-compliance may result in sanctions and penalties as stipulated in RA No. 9994.

The agency noted that the reminder serves to ensure that senior citizens continue to receive the benefits entitled to them under the law.

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