PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) regulating the prices of drugs and medicines being used for treatment of illnesses listed as the leading causes of morbidity in the country, acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.
Nograles said Duterte signed EO 155 on Tuesday, December 7.
The EO states that price regulation will be imposed on 34 drug molecules and 71 drug formulas used in agents affecting bone metabolism, analgesics, anesthetics, anti-angina, antiarrhythmics, anti-asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medicines, antibiotics, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidiabetic drugs, antidiuretics and antiemetics.
“This is part of efforts to improve access to affordable, quality medicines and reduce the health-related expenses of our countrymen, consistent with the goals of the Universal Health Care Act,” said Nograles.
The order also covers drug molecules and formulas utilized in anti-glaucoma, anti-hypercholesterolemia medicines, antihypertensive medicines, anti-neoplastic/anti-cancer medicines, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, medicines for overactive bladders, growth hormone inhibitors, immunosuppressant drugs, iron chelating agents, and psoriasis, seborrhea and ichthyosis medicines.
It requires drug manufacturers to clearly indicate in the packaging of the said medicines that the retail price shall not exceed the maximum retail price (MRP).
“The list of medicines and their corresponding MRPs and MWPs (Maximum Wholesale Price) shall be subject to the review of the Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) six months from the effectivity of the EO, and every six months thereafter,” the Palace said.
Violation to the order is punishable in accordance with Republic Act 9502, also known as the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, and other related laws.
The secretary of health has the jurisdiction to investigate alleged violations of the MRP and MWP, as well as in imposing administrative fines and penalties, and call upon and deputize government entities for assistance. (SunStar Philippines)