Senior citizens in the Philippines can now avail discounts on their medicine without presenting purchase booklet as there was an order released to waive this requirement.
Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-0017
The Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-0017 was made possible because Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has signed the order which intends to remove the purchase booklet for senior in availing such discount.
The order according to the health secretary was crafted in order to alleviate the burden of seniors in always bringing with them their purchase booklet whenever they need to buy their medicines on discounted price.
He also added that this step is a gift for all the seniors providing them with convenience and easy access to more affordable medicines that they all deserve.
The new provision is in lieu with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, an act simplifying the process for seniors in accessing the said discount.
Mandatory Purchase Booklet
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Before, there was a requirement for seniors to show purchase booklet to avail the 20% discount on medicines along with their valid ID and doctor's prescription. Now, the instances of forgetting or losing the purchase booklet causing difficulty for the seniors has now been lifted.
To recap, there were hearings conducted way back January to March by the House of Representatives tackling about seniors and PWD discounts. This initiative has paved for the lawmakers to propose the lifting of purchase booklet requirements for seniors.
According to the lawmakers, the said order was long overdue and can be the lifesaver that seniors are waiting for.
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supports this order, stressing the fact that there are plenty of complaints from senior who are having difficulties availing such discount.
Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical and Health Care Association of the Philippines has suggested that instead of purchase booklet, pharmacies may monitor the purchases online by replacing the latter one with QR code system.
The Drugstores Association of the Philippines, however, have different take regarding the matter stating that the purchase booklet is just there to ensure that the prescribed medications are being followed and that seniors will not be able to abuse their perks or privileges as seniors.
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20% Discount
The 20% discount shall be applicable to vitamins and mineral supplements in addition to everyday medications. However, take note that the discount shall only apply to prescription and over-the-counter drugs (OTC), such as generic and branded varieties.
The exemption, on the other hand, include food, devices, and their components. Upon provision of the documents such as valid ID, doctor's prescription, and purchase booklet (now removed), all drug outlets are and hospital pharmacies are required to provide the 20% discount.
Unable to provide so will result in the institutions to get penalized and sanctioned.
What Does the New Order Connote?
The new order aims to simplify the process of seniors in availing the discount which allows them to access the benefit they all deserve and need in the first place.
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