By Pearl Gumapos
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday (Jan. 11) released a joint memorandum circular (JMC) directing the setting of purchase limitations for paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, carbocisteine, and chlorphenamine maleate paracetamol.
According to the DTI, the JMC aims to prevent the artificial shortage and price escalation of over-the-counter (OTC) flu medicines, and strictly ensures the availability of the same until such time that their supplies become stable.
The JMC affects all persons who purchase, sell or offer for sale the medicines covered by the circular.
The purchase cap is listed below:
“Retailers are hereby directed to post notices in conspicuous places within their outlets, advising consumers of the quantity of medicines they are allowed to purchase,” the DTI said.
The DTI added that unless otherwise allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under existing rules and regulations, all establishments and the public are reminded that online selling of medicines is not permitted.
“The Department of Health (DOH) and the DTI shall conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement through its post-audit mechanism. Violators of this JMC shall be liable under the pertinent and applicable provisions under the Price Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines, and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations,” the DTI said. – bny
