Proposed law strengthening Senior Citizens Law mulled

THE City Council committee on health, sanitation and health insurance chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane convened on Friday to discuss the proposed ordinance strengthening the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law of 1992.

This is in response to complaints that some pharmacies, particularly those operating near the Northern Mindanao Medical Center are not giving the mandated 20-percent discount privilege given to senior citizens for the purchase of drugs and medicines.

During the meeting, Department of Health (DOH-10) representative Carmencita Lubguban said pharmacies near the NMMC are new establishments. She said old drug stores are already aware and were oriented about the discounts for senior citizens provided for under RA 9994.

Lubguban said this has been an advocacy of the DOH.

“I don’t think so if it is an excuse by telling that they do not know the rules in providing 20-percent discount to senior citizens because before sila nag operate kabalo na sila daan unsay procedure”.

In order for senior citizens to avail of the discount, they should present their IDs, purchase booklets and the right prescriptions. “Drug store owners have the right not to give discount for incomplete requirements,” she said.

“Kinahanglan katong logbook ipa-stamp sa DOH office because all incentive discount kinahanglan ang senior citizen mo appear gyud didto including the date of the purchase, name of the medicine and pieces and cost of medicine. Ang logbook ipatatak sa BIR so that they can claim tax incentives,” she added.

Boyet Martinez of the City Health Insurance Office (CHIO) proposed that a provision requiring all establishments to place posters or stickers on the 20-percent discount be incorporated in the proposed law. A hotline for the complaints of senior citizens was also proposed.

The committee will continue to discuss the matter during its next meeting. (JBD)