148 medicines under price freeze in state of calamity zones — DOH
By Jel Santos
(MB FILE PHOTO)
A price freeze on 148 essential medicines is being enforced in areas declared under a state of calamity, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday, July 24.
According to the DOH, the price cap will be in effect for 60 days from the date of the declaration.
The health department said such seeks to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible and affordable in communities facing crises or natural disasters.
With this, the DOH urged the public to check the full list of covered medicines via https://bit.ly/PriceFreezeDOH.
The agency also warned businesses against overpricing, saying violators may face penalties under existing laws.
Reports of overpricing can be filed through the DOH Hotline: (02) 8651-7800 or the DTI Hotline: 1-384.
The price freeze is in line with Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, which protects consumers during emergencies and calamities.