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Email : labankonsyumer@gmail.com
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Website : www.labankonsyumer.com
LKI 2020 -016 PRESS STATEMENT , April 12, 2020
CHEAPER MEDICINE PRICES FOR PATIENTS AMIDST COVID 19 ; CAUTION CONSUMERS ON ‘ STOCKPILING’.
Amidst Covid 19, consumers sees a big relief and financial assistance on reduced prices of medicines. Thanks to Executive Order No. 104 , which was signed by the President on February 17, 2020 , or the Maximum Drug Retail Prices . The MDRP will take effect no later than June 2, 2020. The Executive Order slashes prices to as low as 50% off current retail prices of medicines for hypertension , diabetes, cancer, asthma , analgesics, among others .
In a statement , consumer group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) called on the government and the private sector to assure consumers of continuous and adequate supply of medicines . The reduced prices will help patients, many of whom are facing financial difficulties due to the Covid 19.
At the same time ,the consumer group cautions consumers against “stockpiling “ at the expense of other consumers who are in need of medication .
The consumer group also called on the government to ensure unhampered transport and distribution of medicines and medical devices.
Pharmaceutical and medical supplies manufacturers on Wednesday warned against “over-stockpiling’ of medicines by patients, as the Philippines tackles the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said the high demand for vitamins and specific medicines has led to an artificial shortage of these drugs. “While we understand concerns of patients, stockpiling beyond their current need for a given period will not help improve the medicine supply situation in the country,” the PHAP said.
LKI supports all effort in this war against the pandemic, and calls on PHAP as it said it is ready to work with the government in planning strategies for future public health emergencies.