Monitor drug prices, consumer body urges

Consumer protection advocacy group Laban Konsyumer on Wednesday called for a strict monitoring of the maximum drug retail price.

Laban Konsyumer president Victorio Dimagiba said adherence to the law would give consumers continued access to affordable and quality medicines .

He reiterated the group’s appreciation the national government and the rest of the Department of Health Health and patient /consumer groups who did not waver in ensuring cheaper medicines were accessible to the consumers.

The MDRP that took effect Monday, June 2, 2020 effectively reduced the price of key medicines for several identified diseases.

About 87 medicines or 133 formulations are now subject to 50 percent discount, especially for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, breast, colorectal and lung cancers, chronic kidney disease and asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.