DILG Releases Memorandum Circular Aiming to Prohibit Sari-Sari Store From Selling Medicines
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issues a memorandum circular prohibiting sari-sari stores from selling medicines.
DILG released a memorandum circular with the aim to prohibit sari-sari stores from selling drugs and medicines based on Republic Act No. 10918 or Philippine Pharmacy Act. The local government units are required to pass an ordinance in accordance to the law.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that the LGUs and the Philippine National Police will help implementing policy. The law aims to ensure the safety of the public through over-the-counter purchase.
“Upang masigurado na tanging mga FDA- (Food and Drug Administration) approved [at] authorized outlets lamang ang magbebenta ng gamot, mapa-prescription o over-the-counter medicine para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mamimili,” Año said.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that LGUs can made an appeal or make a resolution that will allow sari-sari stores in remote areas to sell commonly used medicines, which is similar to Undersecretary Martin Diño’s proposal.
The resolution aims to eradicate or prevent the spread of fake and counterfeit medicines in the market, which may cause harm to the public’s health.
“Siguro ang gagawin natin, makikipag-usap tayo sa FDA kung puwede silang maglabas ng some kind of regulation kung saan ‘yong mga commonly used, over-the-counter drugs ay mas maluwag para sa ating mga kababayan,” Malaya said.
FDA Deputy Director General Oscar Gutierrez said that sari-sari stores can apply as retail outlet of non-prescription drugs. However, stores should comply all the requirements and ensure that the medicines are purchased from FDA registered stores.
President Duterte also warned the public against purchase of medicines in small stores because some drugs may have expired.
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