MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has issued an administrative order mandating drug outlets to give 20 percent discount and VAT exemption to senior citizens for their vitamin and supplement needs.
The order came after lawyer and elderly rights’ advocate Romulo Macalintal complained that drugstores are not complying with Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which covers vitamin and supplement discounts for the elderly.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III signed DOH AO 2012-0007-A, which states that vitamins and mineral supplements “medically prescribed” by doctors should be sold to senior citizens at low prices.
Sen. Bong Go commended the DOH for amending its order to ensure the availability of medicines and other supplements needed by the elderly population amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
“We cannot afford to lose lives because of the failure of senior citizens to buy affordable medicines,” Go said. - Cecille Suerte Felipe