DOH proposing maximum retail price for cancer, diabetes, other patented meds

The Department of Health (DOH) will propose a maximum retail price for patented drugs such as those for  cancer and diabetes.

According to a report by Maki Pulido in "State of the Nation Address with Jessica Soho", medicines in the Philippines are more expensive that those sold in other countries including its neighbors in southeast Asia.

A tablet for lung cancer costs P4,297 in the Philippines, while the same medicine costs P2,974 in Thailand, and P2,511 in Malaysia.

Lung cancer medicine in Canada costs P2,909 and P3,688 for Australia.

This, despite the enactment of the Cheaper Medicines Act in 2009.

The maximum retail price (MRP) was last implemented in 2009 for only five medicines.

The DOH is proposing that an MRP be implemented for 124 patented drugs or medicines without a generic drug equivalent.

"Lalagyan ng ceiling yung wholesale so that means yung bigay ng mga kumpanya sa daig stores and sa hospitals lalagyan din ng ceiling yung patong,"DOH Pharmaceutical Division Chief Dr. Melissa Guerrero said.

Medicines for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer of the lungs, breast, colon and liver, and kidney disease fall under this category.

Treatment for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, COPD, pain management and neonatal care will also be included.

The price would be lowered to the average market price of medicine in Southeast Asia. —NB, GMA News