Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAD MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 1)
Senior citizens are entitled to a minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount in the purchase of medicine for their personal use and according to their personal needs as per Rule V (D) of the IRR of the Senior Citizens Act.
A senior citizen or his duly authorized representative must present the national identification card certified by the OSCA along with the doctor’s prescription when purchasing prescription drugs.
For OTC drugs, the number of drugs purchased must be commensurate with the elderly person’s needs as determined by the pharmacist to qualify for the discount.
The special record book must include the name, address, national I.D. number of the senior citizen, the generic name of drugs/medicines, and number of units dispensed.
Food and Drug Inspectors are authorized to inspect the special record book for Senior Citizens Discount.
In the case of partial filling, the number of units dispensed must be recorded both on the prescription and in the special record book along with the unfilled balance, and the name of the drugstore where the prescription was partially filled should be written on the prescription.
The discount privileges shall be limited and exclusive for the benefit of the senior citizens.
All drug outlets are enjoined to comply with Rule V (D) of the IRR of the Senior Citizens Act by granting the mandated discount and keeping proper records as required.
All Food and Drug Regulatory Offices (FDROs) are instructed to report non-compliance if evidence of such commission or omission warrants it.
This memorandum circular helps implement the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of the Senior Citizens Act, specifically related to the minimum 20% discount on medicines for senior citizens.