By Brian Campued
Senior citizens are no longer needed to bring their purchase booklet to avail the 20% discount on prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins and mineral supplements, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Monday.
This as Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-0017, removing the requirement for seniors to present a purchase booklet to drugstores and pharmacies in order to get a discount.
However, all other provisions of AO No. 2010-0032 and AO No. 2012-0007 unaffected by the issuance remain in effect such as the presentation of valid identification (ID) cards as well as a doctor’s prescription in order to avail discounts on their medications.
“Senior citizen rin ako. Alam kong mahirap laging magdala ng purchase booklet. Kailangan ng mga nakatatanda ang diskuwento sa kanilang mga gamot, at dapat madali nating makuha iyon,” Herbosa said in a DOH press release.
“Sa ngalan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., kami sa DOH ay nagbibigay ng regalong ito ng kaginhawahan at mas abot-kayang gamot sa lahat ng ating mga senior citizen,” the DOH chief added.
Prioritize health, safety during holiday season
Herbosa also urged Filipinos to be mindful of their food intake and overall health as the country heads into the holiday festivities from Christmas to New Year’s Day.
“Kami ay nagpapa-alala na iwasan ang sobra-sobrang pagkain ng mga maaalat, matataba at matatamis na pagkain ngayong holiday season. Damihan ang pagkain ng gulay at prutas na dapat ay kalahati ng inyong Pinggang Pinoy. Humanap po tayo ng oras na mag-ehersisyo,” he stressed.
The Health chief made the call as hospitals record an increase in the admission of patients with “holiday heart syndrome”—a condition due to excessive drinking and eating of fatty and salty food, stress, and lack of rest—which can lead to stroke.
“Maaari pang tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng stroke matapos ang Pasko at pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon kung hindi mapipigilan ang labis na pag-inom ng alak at pagkain mula sa sunod-sunod na handaan,” the DOH stated.
The Philippine Heart Center recorded a total of 42 cases of stroke and 115 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome in January 2024, while the East Avenue Medical Center logged 328 cases of stroke last December 2023.
-avds