Question & AnswerQ&A (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2018-00020)
The EDPMS is a computer-based solution with functionalities to capture, process, store, and generate reports on essential drug prices from drug companies, establishments, and outlets to ensure price transparency and aid government pricing policies.
All drug establishments and outlets, including manufacturers, manufacturer traders, distributors, importers, exporters, wholesalers, hospital pharmacies, and drugstore outlets, are required to upload price and inventory data as specified.
Drug outlets with one branch upload annually according to geographical clusters, while those with two or more branches upload quarterly to the EDPMS.
Penalties range from written warnings, administrative fines (from ₱10,000 up to ₱1,000,000), product recalls, suspension or revocation of licenses, and blacklisting of drug establishments or outlets depending on the number and gravity of violations.
Suspension of the License to Operate may be imposed for a duration not exceeding one (1) year.
MDRP stands for Maximum Drug Retail Price and refers to the ceiling price imposed on selected drugs to address leading causes of morbidity and mortality, which must be uploaded and monitored via the EDPMS.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to investigate, impose administrative fines, suspend or revoke licenses and blacklist offending drug establishments or outlets.
The Regional Offices issue Certificates of Compliance, monitor and evaluate compliance, generate reports of non-compliance, conduct orientations and trainings, and coordinate with FDA for enforcement action.
The primary objective is to address information asymmetry in medicine prices and empower consumers to make informed choices when purchasing medicines, as well as to support the government in formulating pricing policies for essential medicines.