QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 6970)
It provides guidelines for the distribution and monitoring of morphine sulfate procured by the DOH to enhance patients’ quality of life by decreasing under-treatment of patients with severe pain, and improving accessibility of opioid analgesics.
Indigent patients—whether out-patient or in-patient—requiring palliative medications for moderate to severe pain due to cancer, HIV, and other diseases, including those in the DSWD list under NHTS, those with PhilHealth cards indicating Sponsored Program Members, and those evaluated by the hospital/hospice social worker.
Presentation of the DOH Prescription Forms indicating the quantity and dosage requirement.
Hospitals may allocate a maximum of 20% of existing stocks of morphine to non-indigent patients, without prejudice to indigent needs, and while supplies are available.
Hospice facilities can dispense by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements; they must have appropriate PDEA licenses (S3 for dispensing directly to patients) and comply with the procedures under DDB Regulation No. 3, s. 2003, including security and reporting.
S2 authorizes physicians/dentists to prescribe dangerous drugs; S4 authorizes wholesale distribution (e.g., for hospitals distributing to authorized units); S3 authorizes facilities/outlets to dispense directly to patients.
A properly filled out DOH prescribed prescription form issued by a current PDEA S2 licensed doctor and dentist, presented to the hospital pharmacy.
Patients or their families must commit to return unused medications when no longer needed; the returned morphine must be brought back to the same dispensing-hospital pharmacy following existing reporting systems.
They must record and report dispensed medication using DDB Regulation No. 3, s. 2003 (same required registers/forms/attachments) and submit regular utilization reports to NCDPC, DDAPTP, and CHDs.
Hospitals must inform OSC/DOH when available stock reaches 30% of the initial allocation for immediate replenishment; they must also report average monthly consumption and available stock volume 10 months before expiration date.
Only a DOH-accredited freight forwarder may transport; shipment must include a duplicate copy of the approved PDEA permit and hospital purchase request; items must be insured; inter-island transport must be by airfreight; received by designated Supply Officer and/or Chief Pharmacist with proper recording/reporting.
NCDPC (National Center for Disease Prevention and Control) is responsible for technical specifications and quantity allocation and funding of procurement of morphine sulfate preparations starting 2011.
It monitors distribution and allocation of drugs and related logistics, and assists in monitoring logistic distribution and drug utilization.
It coordinates with PDEA for necessary permits for purchase and distribution; secures and provides secure storage of stocks; assists in monitoring logistics distribution and drug utilization; and helps with dissemination of availability and verification of proper distribution/documents.
Non-medically necessary services such as cosmetic surgery and other non-palliative interventions are not eligible to receive free morphine sulfate.
After fifteen (15) days from publication in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.