BFAD to go after drugstores not giving receipts for medicines

Drugstores and pharmacies that refuse to issue receipts for medicines, especially those covered by a 50-percent price cut, may face investigation. The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) – now the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) – stressed this in an advisory where it asked the public to demand receipts for the medicines. "Refusal of any establishments or outlets to issue official receipts or to indicate the above necessary information may likewise be reported and shall be acted accordingly," BFAD/FDA director Nazarita Tacandong said in the advisory dated Aug. 17, which was placed as an ad in Metro Manila-based newspapers Wednesday. She urged the public to report such violations to the BFAD/FDA through its hotline at 8070751 or 8078275. Tacandong urged the public to report immediately to the nearest BFAD/FDA or Center for Health Development (CHD) offices any outlets not complying with the 50-percent price cut. Health authorities are monitoring drugstores and pharmacies for compliance with the 50-percent price cut on at least 43 essential medicines. Smaller drugstores and pharmacies with manual inventory systems have until September 15 to comply. Tacandong asked the public to demand an official receipt covering the drugs and medicines purchased, and see to it that both "the (generic and brand names) and corresponding prices of the drugs and medicines are indicated in the receipt issued." Dates of purchase of the drugs and medicines must also be indicated in the said receipt, she said. "Thus, any person reporting or complaining is advised to submit before the BFAD or any CHD offices the complaint or report letter together with a legible copy of the OR issued by the establishment or outlet being complained of or reported," she said. Any report or complaints received through telephone shall be subject to verification, she added. - GMANews.TV