Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 821)
Under Republic Act No. 9502, also known as the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, specifically Chapter 3, Section 17.
Criteria include: (a) addressing public health priorities with leading causes of morbidity and mortality; (b) drugs with high price differentials compared to international prices; (c) drugs with limited competition or lack of generic counterparts; (d) innovator products being most expensive yet most prescribed or dispensed; and (e) other conditions in Section 19 (2) of RA 9502.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were ordered by the President to determine and recommend MDRP.
It applies to all registered medicines listed under Section 1 of the Order available in the market, covering all retail outlets, including public or private drugstores, hospitals, pharmacies, HMOs, convenience stores, supermarkets, and more.
No, no public or private entity or person is allowed to sell, demand, or reimburse at prices higher than the MDRP.
Yes, the MDRP serves as the ceiling price for procurement and reimbursement by all government agencies, including government hospitals, specialty centers, PCSO, PAGCOR, PhilHealth, SSS, GSIS, and other government entities.
The DOH must implement necessary policies and systems to enforce the Order. The BFAD must process registration applications for covered drugs within 15 days and release approvals/disapprovals within 90 days.
Government-owned media must assist in disseminating information. All government agencies and GOCCs must support DOH in enforcement, dissemination, monitoring, and compliance with the Order.
Any circumvention or violation of the Order's provisions will be dealt with accordingly, implying penalties as provided under the law and relevant regulations.
The Order took effect on August 15, 2009, following its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
No, the list and prices are subject to review by the DOH after three to six months and may be adjusted as necessary.
The period from issuance to August 15, 2009 is a transition during which packaging, labeling, and disposition of existing inventory must be accomplished before strict enforcement of MDRP begins.
Yes, all executive issuances, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Order are revoked or modified accordingly.