PRESIDENT Duterte has placed under price regulation at least 100 drug formulas and drug molecules that are being used to treat the leading causes of deaths in the country, including antibiotics, anesthetics, anticoagulants, anti-diabetic drugs.
The maximum retail price (MRP) and maximum wholesale price (MWP) for 34 drug molecules and 71 drug formulas are contained in Executive Order No. 155 which the President signed on December 7.
The price caps were recommended by the Department of Health after a review.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the price regulation is part of efforts to improve access to affordable, quality medicines and reduce health-related expenses of Filipinos, consistent with the goals of the Universal Health Care Act.
The President in February last year issued a similar directive, Executive Order 104 which covers 87 drug molecules and 71 drug formulas. The latest order repealed EO 821 issued in July 2009 by then President Gloria Arroyo.
Nograles said covered under EO 155 are drug molecules and formulations used for bone metabolism drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, anti-angina, antiarrhythmics, anti-asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medicines, antibiotics, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidiabetic drugs, antidiuretics, antiemetics, anti-glaucoma, anti-hypercholesterolemia medicines, antihypertensive medicines, anti-neoplastic and anti-cancer medicines, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, drugs for overactive bladders, growth hormone inhibitors, immunosuppressant drugs, iron chelating agents, and psoriasis, seborrhea and ichthyosis medicines.
He said the list of medicines and their corresponding prices will be reviewed again by the DOH and the Department of Trade and Industry six months from the effectivity of the EO, and every six months thereafter.
Nograles said under EO 155, all manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, traders, and retailers are to display the retail prices in their packaging.
“The EO specifies that the MRP, preceded by the words ‘Retail Price Not to Exceed,’ and ‘Under Drug Price Regulation,’ on a red strip, shall be clearly printed on the label of the immediate container of the drug and medicine and the minimum pack thereof offered for retail,” he said.
Nograles said those who shall fail to comply with Executive Order 155 shall be dealt with in accordance with Republic Act 9502, or the the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, and other related laws.
He said the health secretary will lead investigations on alleged violations of the MRP and MWP, impose administrative fines and penalties, and may call upon and deputize government entities for assistance necessary to implement Executive Order 155.
He said the health secretary may also impose administrative fines between P50,000 and P5 million.
