CHO urged to implement Cheaper Medicines Act of 2009
BACOLOD CITY — Sangguniang PanGlungsod Member Catalino Alisbo proposed yesterday a resolution requesting City Mayor Evelio Leonardia to direct the City Health Office to coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor all drugstores who are mandated to comply, enforce and implement Republic Act No. 9502, otherwise known as “the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008”, here in Bacolod City.
Alisbo recalled that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 821, dated July 27, 2009 prescribing the maximum drug retail prices for selected drugs and medicines that address diseases that account for the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
Said Executive Order shall apply to all medicines covered under the list of medicines and corresponding maximum drug retail price (MDRP) which are currently registered by Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) and are available in the market.
The President in an effort to make medicines affordable and accessible to the majority of Filipinos and acting on the conviction that health is based on human rights, orders of Department of Health and Department of Trade and Industry to determine and recommend maximum drug retail prices (MDRP).
Alisbo said that all other agencies of the government, including government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and Government Funding Institutions (GFIs) are hereby ordered to provide all necessary support to DOH for the enforcement and implementation including the dissemination or information, as well as monitoring compliance with this order.