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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH reminds public, drugstores of 60-day 'price freeze' on medicines amid national state of calamity

DOH reminds public, drugstores of 60-day 'price freeze' on medicines amid national state of calamity

Published Nov 7, 2025 04:37 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Following the declaration of a national state of calamity by President Marcos, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public and all pharmacies nationwide that a “price freeze” on essential medicines is now in effect.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, President Marcos approved the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to place the country under a state of calamity during a situation briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The health department said the price freeze covers 146 medicines and aims to ensure that these remain at reasonable prices during calamities or disasters.
“Mariing pinapaalala ng Department of Health ang implementasyon ng ‘Price Freeze’ sa 146 na gamot sa buong bansa (The Department of Health strongly reminds the public of the implementation of the ‘Price Freeze’ on 146 medicines nationwide),” the DOH said.
“Ito ay para masiguro ang pananatili sa makatuwirang presyo ng mga bilihing gamot lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad (This is to ensure that medicines remain at reasonable prices, especially during calamities),” it added.
Under the rules, the price freeze will remain in effect for 60 days from the declaration of the state of calamity, unless lifted earlier by the President.
“Ang Price Freeze ay ipinapatupad sa loob ng animnapung (60) araw mula nang ideklara ang state of calamity, maliban kung ito ay tanggalin nang mas maaga ng Pangulo (The Price Freeze is implemented for 60 days from the declaration of the state of calamity, unless lifted earlier by the President),” the DOH said.
Meanwhile, the agency urged the public to report any excessive pricing or violations to the DOH through the following channels: [email protected] and [email protected]
The updated list of medicines covered under the price freeze can be viewed here: bit.ly/PriceFreezeDOHUpdated.

Related Tags

DOH President Marcos national state of calamity DOH price freeze price freeze
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