FDA
Food and Drug Administration, Philippines

Ref. LICD No. 10-123

10 June 2010-07-28

MATEO A. LEE, JR.
Officer-In-Charge
National Council on Disability Affairs
NCDA Building, Isidora Street, Brgy. Holy Spirit
Quezon City

Dear Mr. Lee,

This is in reference to your letter dated 01 February 2010 addressed to the Honorable Secretary of Health Esperanza I. Cabral, M.D., which the same was endorsed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to implementation of the availment of 20% discount on purchase of medicines from drug establishments for the exclusive use of persons with disability (PWD).

As you have raised in the said letter, persons with disability experience difficulty in availing the said 20% discount pursuant to Section 32 of Republic Act No. 9442 amending Republic Act No. 7277 of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

In response thereto, and for this FDA to take appropriate legal actions to the erring drugstores which allegedly refuse to grant the said 20% discount to PWD be lodged with this Office.

Rest assured that FDA is committed in promoting the welfare of our disabled Filipino citizens and as such, FDA shall, as part of our routine inspection to all drugstores, strictly monitor and audit the record of books of PWD maintained by drugstore to ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 9442 and Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2009-0011.

Thank you for your time and for bringing to our attention your concerns

More power and our warmest regards.

Very truly yours,

ORIGINAL SIGNED
NAZARITA T. TACANDONG, RPh, MPA
Acting Director IV