Go flags non-compliance of drugstores on DOH no-booklet order

COUNCILOR Gilda O. Go, chair of the committee on senior citizens, raised her concern over the non-compliance of several drugstores with Department of Health (DOH) directive on senior citizens’ discounts on medicines.

In her special report, Go cited DOH Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, issued on December 23, 2024 which removed the requirement for senior citizens to present their purchase booklets when availing of the mandatory 20% discount on medicines per Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Despite the policy, Go reported that many small-scale community and retail drugstores in the city continue to require the purchase booklet from senior citizens, contrary to the directive.

She noted that while major pharmacy chains generally comply, neighborhood drugstores remain resistant, adversely affecting marginalized senior citizens who rely on nearby outlets for accessibility and convenience.

Go attributed the problem to inadequate dissemination of information and weak enforcement of the order.

With this, Go proposed the adoption of a resolution urging the DOH-Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao to conduct a massive and expedited information drive on the new policy, including clarification on the proper computation of the 20% senior citizens’ discount by deducting the 12% VAT before the application of the discount.

She also called on the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) to strictly monitor and enforce compliance among establishments.

For her part, Councilor Yevonna Yacine B. Emano expressed full support for the report, noting that the no-booklet policy had already been reinforced by the Commission on Senior Citizens as early as December 24, 2024.

She raised concern over the lack of alignment between local implementation and national directives and urged the inclusion of offices in charge of business permits, as well as the committee on consumer protection, in future hearings.

Emano further pointed out that non-compliant establishments may be subject to fines, cancellation of business permits, or imprisonment under existing laws.

Upon motion, the body referred the matter to the committees on senior citizens, consumer protection, and trade and commerce for appropriate study and action.

The City Council likewise approved the Resolution filed by Councilor Go urging DOH to conduct a massive information drive, and the RCB to enforce the “no purchase booklet  policy”.  (JAO/SP)