Philippines Scraps Medicine Booklet Requirement for Seniors
In a move lauded by lawmakers and senior citizens alike, the philippines has eliminated the cumbersome requirement for seniors to present purchase booklets when claiming their medicine discounts. This notable change, effective immediately, simplifies access to affordable healthcare for millions.
Health Secretary Teodoro J.herbosa announced the news on December 23rd, 2024, stating that Administrative Order No.2024-0017 officially removes the need for seniors to carry the booklets. “I am also a senior citizen,” Herbosa explained in a statement. “I know it is hard to always bring a purchase booklet with you. Seniors need the discount on their medicines, and we must make it easy for them to get that.”
The change aligns with Republic Act No. 9994, the expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, wich guarantees a 20% discount on medicines for senior citizens. The new order also revises certain provisions of previous administrative orders (AO No. 2010-0032 and AO No. 2012-0007), streamlining the process for obtaining the discount. All other unaffected provisions remain in effect.
Herbosa added a celebratory note, saying, “On behalf of President Ferdinand R.Marcos, Jr., we at the DOH give this gift of convenience and more affordable medicines to all of our senior citizens. Merry Christmas po!”
The positive response from Philippine lawmakers was immediate. Albay representative Joey Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, enthusiastically declared, “Bye-bye booklet.Thank the DOH for making permanent the change we requested in the House’s joint committee hearings on senior citizens’, PWD (persons with disabilities), and solo parents’ benefits. Salamat PBBM (Thank you President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr.) and salamat, Secretary Ted Herbosa.” He highlighted the previous difficulties seniors faced, stating, “The booklet requirement often caused senior citizens to be denied essential medicines, especially when they misplaced or forgot the document.” He further emphasized the importance of the discount, noting, “The 20-percent medicine discount, along with the VAT-free treatment for a significant number of medicines, has been a lifesaver for many senior citizens.”
United Senior Citizens Partylist Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay called the move an “early Christmas gift” for the over 12 million Filipino seniors. She praised the decision, stating, “This is laudable. The deletion of the requirement not only gives premium to elderly convenience, but it is also ecologically sound and kind.” Magsaysay also urged other agencies to follow suit, eliminating similar booklet requirements for discounts on other essential goods.
This initiative reflects a growing global trend towards simplifying access to healthcare for senior citizens.Similar programs in the U.S., such as Medicare Part D, aim to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for older adults. The Philippines’ action serves as a positive example of streamlining bureaucratic processes to improve the lives of its senior population.
Philippines Makes It easier for Seniors to Access Affordable Medicines
This week,the Philippines announced a significant change to its Senior citizens Act,streamlining access to crucial discounts on medications. We sat down with Dr. Maria Luisa del Mundo, a geriatrician and healthcare policy expert, to discuss the implications of this move.
World-Today News Senior Editor: Dr. del Mundo, thank you for joining us today. This new policy is making headlines, can you explain what’s changed exactly?
Dr. Maria Luisa del Mundo: Certainly. for years, Filipino seniors had to carry specific purchase booklets to receive their 20% discount on medication—a requirement mandated by the expanded senior Citizens Act of 2010. This new Administrative Order from the Department of Health officially eliminates that booklet requirement.
World-Today News Senior Editor: What prompted this change,and what are the potential benefits?
Dr. maria Luisa del Mundo: I believe this change stems from a genuine desire to make things easier for our elder population. The booklet system posed a real obstacle for manny seniors. They often misplaced them, forgot to bring them, or found them cumbersome to manage. This led to many eligible seniors being denied the discount they deserved, wich can be incredibly disheartening when you’re trying to manage your healthcare needs.
This new move removes that barrier. It acknowledges the inherent right of seniors to accessible and affordable healthcare, simplifying the process and ensuring they can access necessary medications with dignity.
world-Today News Senior Editor: This isn’t the first time the Philippines has made efforts to improve senior healthcare accessibility. What other programs are in place?
Dr. Maria Luisa del Mundo:
You’re right. This new policy aligns well with existing programs like VAT-free treatment for a large number of medicines, further reducing costs for Filipino seniors. There’s also a growing focus on community-based senior care programs, aiming to provide accessible healthcare and support services close to where seniors live.
World-Today News Senior Editor: This probably sets a positive precedent for other countries looking to improve healthcare access for their aging populations. Any specific examples come to mind?
Dr. Maria Luisa del mundo:
Absolutely. This move aligns with the global trend of simplifying access to healthcare for seniors.Programs like Medicare Part D in the united States aim to make prescription drugs more affordable for older adults. The Philippines is demonstrating that streamlining bureaucratic processes can make a real difference in improving the lives of its senior population.
World-Today News Senior Editor: Dr. del mundo, thank you for sharing your insights on this crucial topic.
Dr. Maria Luisa del mundo: My pleasure.It’s an encouraging step towards a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all Filipinos.
