QuestionsQuestions (BFAD MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 4)
It amends BFAD Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 1994 to ensure compliance with the IRR of the Senior Citizens Act (R.A. 7432) regarding the 20% discount on medicines for senior citizens.
A minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on medicines for the senior citizen’s personal use and according to personal needs.
Yes. It requires a prescription by a professional medical practitioner for both prescription and OTC drugs.
To curb possible abuse of the privilege due to lack of effective control mechanisms and to substantiate claims for tax credit to the BIR.
A prescription by a professional medical practitioner, with all the usual details required in the prescription.
For example: the name of the doctor, the doctor’s PTR No., the patient’s name, and the generic name of the medicine prescribed, among other usual details.
Only prescriptions that comply fully with the Generics Law are honored.
Any single dispensing should not exceed one (1) week’s supply.
Yes. The prescribing physician may indicate refills up to a maximum of one month supply.
No. Whether the medicine is prescription or OTC, the required information must be recorded in the special record book.
The senior citizen’s name, address, National ID No., the generic name of the drug/medicine, and the number of units dispensed.
Drugstores must maintain only one registered record book for Senior Citizens Discount, subject to inspection by both BFAD and BIR.
The pharmacist indicates the partially filled quantity in the special record book and writes the unfilled balance on the prescription.
The senior citizen must retain the partially filled prescription and present it later to complete the prescribed quantity.
It should ask for a copy (xerox) of the prescription.
Each individual senior citizen should have a personal record of availment of the discount privilege on a form provided by DSWD or OSCA.
Effective July 1, 1994.
These discount privileges are limited and exclusive for the benefits of senior citizens.
All drug outlets are enjoined to comply, and all FDRCs are instructed to report non-compliance if evidence of commission or omission warrants.