QuestionsQuestions (BFAD MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 24, S. 1994)
It amends BFAD Memorandum Circular No. 4, s. 1994 on compliance with the IRR of the Senior Citizens Act (R.A. 7432), specifically setting the rules for the 20% minimum medicine discount and related monitoring/control requirements.
A minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on the purchase of medicine for personal use and according to personal needs.
They must present (1) the national identification card, (2) the purchase slip booklet duly issued and approved by the OSCA Chairman, and (3) the doctor’s prescription, with all usual prescription details indicated.
The number of drugs purchased should be commensurate to the senior citizen’s needs.
It is used for monitoring and record of availment of the discount privilege. Its use is voluntary starting September 1994, and becomes mandatory beginning January 1, 1995.
The Senior Citizen (or authorized agent) must present the OSCA Identification Card and the purchase slip booklet.
The doctor’s name, PTR number, patient’s name, the generic name of the medicine prescribed, among other required details.
Only complete prescriptions which comply fully with the Generics Law shall be honored.
They may consult at their government health center/hospital and get a prescription free of charge.
Not more than one (1) week supply per single dispensing, as a general rule.
When drugs are for chronic conditions requiring continuous use for more than a month, such as anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-angina, anti-thyroid, anti-parkinsonism, anti-arthritis, anti-TB, anti-neoplastic, anti-psychotic, hormonal drugs for prolonged use, and dietary supplements.
Yes. Whether prescription or OTC, the drugstore must record the name and address, national ID number, generic name, and number of units dispensed in the special record book for Senior Citizens Discount.
Drugstores are required to maintain only one special record book registered and subject to inspection by both BFAD and BIR.
The pharmacist indicates the partially filled quantity in the special record book and the unfilled balance on the prescription. The senior citizen retains the partially filled prescription and later presents it to complete the prescribed quantity.
The outlet may deduct the promotional campaign’s percentage discount from the total 20% discount required by R.A. 7432, so the senior citizen still receives a total discount of 20%.
These discount privileges are non-transferable and limited/exclusive for the benefit of the senior citizen.
All drug outlets—including drugstores, hospital pharmacies (government or private), and retail outlets for non-prescription drugs—are enjoined to comply. FDROs are instructed to report non-compliance if evidence of commission or omission warrants it.
It took effect 15 days after its publication in a national newspaper.