Med discounts set for senior citizens without prescription

BAGUIO CITY – Senior Citizens may now avail of the 20% discount for over-the-counter medicines even without the doctor’s prescription but with other requirements.

            This is embodied in a resolution introduced by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda  and approved on June 20, which resolved to implement Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory 2014-054 which states…”the public is further informed that a doctor’s prescription is not required for over-the-counter medicines to avail of the 20% discount.”

            However, to avail of the 20% discount in any hospital, private retail or pharmacy, the senior citizen needs to present requirements such as; Identification Card (ID) issued by the municipal or city mayor, or the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), or punong barangay of the place where he is a resident. The purchase booklet and the SC’s Philippine passport may also be presented.  

            Any government issued ID is honored; drivers’ license, voter’s ID, Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID, Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) card, Postal ID and others, as long as the elderly’s birthday is clearly stated therein.

            The discount is part of Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010; wherein “the state provides an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development and shall give priority to the needs of the marginalized sectors, which includes the elderly.”

            Earlier, senior citizens complain of not being accorded the 20% discount for medicines because of the absence of a physician’s prescription. – Julie G. Fianza