THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday reminded drugstores and pharmacies to strictly comply with the mandatory provision of the discount for medicines being purchased by senior citizens.
In a statement, FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate said drugstores and pharmacies must provide a 20 percent discount to the elderly who purchase either generic or branded medicines.
“Let us enhance the enforcement of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” said Zacate. “Stakeholders are reminded to strictly observe the said policy so that we can be assured that the benefits of senior citizens are properly implemented.”
Zacate noted that FDA Advisory No. 2020-1547 provides that the 20 percent discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption shall apply to the purchase of generic or branded medicines and drugs by or for senior citizens.
He also stressed that the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption shall also be granted to the purchase of vitamins and mineral supplements, which are medically prescribed by doctors for the prevention and treatment of diseases, illness, or injury.
The FDA chief also noted that FDA Advisory No. 2014-054 states that senior citizens may avail of the 20 percent discount on medicines from all hospitals and private retail pharmacies.
He also pointed out that a doctor’s prescription is not required for over-the-counter medicines to be able to avail of the 20 percent discount.