DOH freezes prices of 148 medicines

MORE than 100 drugs and medicines are now covered by the price freeze imposed by the Department of Health (DOH) in areas placed under state of calamity due to the inclement weather.

In a social media post, the DOH said a total of 148 essential drugs and medicines are covered by the price freeze.

"Ang drug price freeze ay ipinatutupad sa mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng state of calamity," said the DOH.

(The drug price freeze is implemented in areas under a state of calamity.)

"Epektibo ang price freeze sa loob ng 60 araw simula sa pag-anunsyo ng state of calamity sa mga lokalidad, maliban na lang kung ito'y aalisin nang mas maaga," it added.

(The price freeze is effective for 60 days from the declaration of a state of calamity in the affected areas, unless lifted earlier.)

Medicines covered include anaesthetics, analgesics, antiasthma, anticoagulants, antidiabetics, antidiarrheals, antidotes, antiemetics, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antimicrobials, antipsychotics, antiseptics, cardiac drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, insulin preparations, antifungals, and vitamins and minerals.

The complete list of medicines can be seen at https://bit.ly/PriceFreezeDOH.

The health department said the public is strongly encouraged to report overpricing of medicines and drugs covered by the price freeze.

"May overpricing? I-report agad sa DOH Hotline: (02) 8651-7800," said the DOH.

In a related development, the DOH reminded the public that doxycycline is not an over-the-counter medicine.

It said getting doxycycline requires a doctor's consultation and prescription.

"Ang doxycycline ay isang antibiotic na ginagamit laban sa leptospirosis," it said.

(Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis.)

"Payo ng DOH, magpatingin sa doktor para sa tamang reseta sa paggamit ng antibiotic na ito," added the DOH.

(The DOH advises consulting a doctor for the proper prescription before using this antibiotic.) (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)