- Advertisement -

The City Council committee on health and sanitation and health insurance here has acted on the complaint of senior citizens against pharmacies that are not granting the 20-percent discount for the purchase of medicines.

This is in response to the special report of Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba during the regular session few weeks ago. The councilor said some of the pharmacies operating in the city, particularly near the Northern Mindanao Medical Center are not offering the mandated discount for senior citizens.

- Advertisement -

According to Daba, this is a violation of Republic Act 9257, which states that senior citizens shall be entitled to a 20-percent discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of services in hotels, and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of medicines in all establishments.

During the committee meeting, one of the owners of a pharmacy admitted that the mandated 20-percent discount is not granted to customers who do not have complete requirements.

“There are also requirements coming from their end that we need to check also or else we will be sanctioned,” he said.

He said discounts are granted to them for the purchase of generic medicines, and two-percent discount for branded medicines.

A representative of the Department of Health, however, said in RA 9994, there is no specification of a two-percent discount for branded medicines.

“If there is a complete requirement, senior citizens must be given 20-percent discount for all medicines, there is no such thing as two-percent for branded medicines,” she said.

A representative of the Food and Drugs Administration cited that Section 1 of RA 9994 on medicine and drug purchases, provides that the 20-percent discount and VAT exemption shall apply for the purchase of generic and branded medicines and drugs by or for senior citizens, including the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

The committee, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, urged pharmacy owners to coordinate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue for tax incentives, and advised the City Social Welfare and Development, through the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs to remind senior citizens to strictly comply with the requirements so that they can avail of the 20-percent discount privileges. (sp)

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -