Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Monday announced a newly signed Department of Health (DOH) administrative order removing the requirement of a purchase booklet for senior citizens to avail of their discount on medicines following the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Previously, senior citizens needed to present a purchase booklet accompanied by valid identification and a doctor’s prescription in order to get a discount at drugstores.
“I am also a senior citizen. 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,” Herbosa said.
“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!” he added.
During a press conference held in Valenzuela City Hall, the Health Secretary noted the booklet was used to catch fake users of the discount.
“The important thing is that at least the senior citizen can buy medicine immediately when needed,” Herbosa said.
