Question & AnswerQ&A (OP EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 49)
The main purpose is to mandate the use of the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) Volume I as the basis for procurement of drug products by all government entities in the Philippines to promote rational drug use and enforce adherence to the Essential Drugs List.
Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
The PNDF Volume I consists of two parts: the Core List, which includes essential drugs needed by the majority of the population, and the Complementary List, which includes drugs for rare disorders, drugs with special pharmaceutical properties, and alternatives when Core List drugs are unsuitable.
They are responsible for determining which drug products and corresponding quantities are to be procured by their respective government entities.
Every requisition and issue voucher (RIV) or purchase request must be accompanied by a certification signed by the requisitioning officer affirming that the drugs fall within and conform with the current edition of PNDF Volume I.
The Commission on Audit (COA) is tasked to instruct auditors to monitor compliance and disallow claims or disbursements for drug procurement not listed in the PNDF Volume I.
A written request with justification must be addressed to the Head of the National Drug Policy Office, who has the authority to approve or disapprove the request, and may consult with the National Drug Committee (NDC) if necessary.
Violations are considered conduct grossly prejudicial to the best interest of the service or grave misconduct under Presidential Decree 807 and Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 30, s. 1989.
EO No. 49 extends the implementation of DOH Department Order No. 104, s. 1991, which mandated the use of the PNDF Volume I as the basis for procurement by the Department of Health.
The Generics Act of 1988 emphasizes encouraging the extensive use of drugs with generic names through rational procurement and distribution, and stressing the scientific basis for drug use to increase health professionals' awareness of therapeutic effectiveness.