DOH orders 60-day price freeze on medicines in calamity-hit areas

National

THE Department of Health (DOH) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on 148 essential medicines in areas under a state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm Crising and Tropical Storms Dante and Emong.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the freeze is automatic under existing laws during a calamity and prohibits pharmacies from raising prices on vital medications such as antibiotics, insulin, analgesics, antihypertensives, and vitamins.

“We urge the public to report any violations to the FDA or the DTI,” said Domingo in a report by Philstar.

The DOH also reminded the public that doxycycline, used to prevent leptospirosis, is not for over-the-counter use and should only be taken with a prescription to avoid antibiotic resistance.

So far, only minor illnesses like cough and colds have been reported among evacuees. Over 1,180 health workers have been deployed to provide medical support in affected areas.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured the public that the prices and supply of basic goods remain stable. Monitoring has been intensified to prevent profiteering.

The 60-day price freeze applies to items like canned goods, instant noodles, milk, bottled water, coffee, and detergent in areas under a state of calamity, including Cavite, Bataan, parts of Metro Manila, Cebu, and several municipalities in Luzon and Visayas.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stressed that violators face up to 10 years in prison and fines of P5,000 to P1 million. Reports can be sent to [email protected] or the DTI hotline 1-DTI (1-384).

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) announced a one-month moratorium on amortization payments for beneficiaries in typhoon-hit areas.

The Pag-IBIG Fund has also activated its Calamity Loan Program nationwide to assist affected members.(Jeo Ckaji S. Siwala, HNU-Comm Intern)