DOH to drugstores: Observe price law or face P10-M fine

Health authorities reminded drugstores Thursday to observe price controls on essential medicines in areas under a state of calamity due to tropical storm "Ondoy" (Ketsana). The Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (BFAD) said erring drugstores might face administrative sanctions including a fine of P10 million. "Non-compliance of the law will result in penalty in accordance to relevant laws and rules and regulations including possible administrative fines of P100,000 to P10 million ... This shall remain effective for the duration of the state of calamity, but not more than 60 days," it said in an advisory published in Metro Manila newspapers. It cited Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, where "prices of essential medicines shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices" in a state of calamity. Because of this, the DOH-FDA ordered the drugstores "NOT to increase prices" for essential medicines above September 25 price rates. The price freeze covers anti-diarrheals, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, Oral Rehydration Solutions, Intravenous fluids, anti-tetanus seruum, anti-meassles vaccines, multi-vitamins, ferrous sulfate + folic acid for pregnant women and other emergency life-saving medicines listed in the Philippine National Drug Formulary Volume 1. - GMANews.TV