Progress Report for the Implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008

The Pharmaceutical Division (PD) has been regularly developing the Progress Report on the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 9502, otherwise known as “The Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008.” The report is yearly submitted to the House of Representatives in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 30 of the Law

The chapters encompass the different programs of the PD based on the key pillars of the Philippine Medicines Policy (PMP) – Safety, Efficacy and Quality; Availability and Affordability; Rational Use of Medicines; Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance; and Health Systems Support. It also includes an overview of the Philippine pharmaceutical market in collaboration with the IQVIA Philippines. Likewise, it provides report on government initiatives in assuring quality and safety of medicines through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines.

Various programs have been in pursuit of making low priced quality essential medicines available to the Filipinos, and among those had a directive of the President. This is the FOURmula One Plus Botika ng Bayan and Botika ng Bayani Program (F1 Plus BNB and BNBi). Others are continuously implemented by the PD.

This year, more programs are created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as Stabilizing Prices During COVID-19 Price Freeze and Suggested Retail Price, Pharmaceutical Security and Clinical Trials for COVID-19. Other new programs include the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for drugs and medicines, Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption of drugs and medicines prescribed for non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol) under the TRAIN Law, and the Active Drug Safety Monitoring and Management (aDSM) Program. 

Frequently asked questions

The Progress report is a report of the performance of the Department of Health (DOH) on the implementation of Republic Act No. 9502, otherwise known as the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008.”

The Progress Report is being submitted to the Office of the President, both Houses of Congress and Congressional Oversight Committee through the DOH – Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB).

It is submitted within fifteen (15) days from the opening of the regular session of the Houses of Congress. The DOH also submits the report regularly and complies immediately to any order of the Congressional Oversight Committee.

The following are among the programs being included in the Progress Report:

  • Generics Advocacy Program
  • Pharmacovigilance for National Health Program Medicines
  • FOURmula One Plus Botika ng Bayan and Botika ng Bayani Program (F1 Plus BNB and BNBi)
  • Drug Price Reference Index (DPRI)
  • Electronic Drug Price Monitoring System (EDPMS)
  • Philippine National Formulary (PNF)
  • National Program to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
  • Advisory Council for the Implementation of RA 9502
  • Policy Dialogue on Universal Healthcare and Access to Medicines

Other new programs are the following:

  • COVID-19 Price Freeze and Suggested Retail Price
  • Pharmaceutical Security and Clinical Trials for COVID-19
  • Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for drugs and medicines
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption of drugs and medicines prescribed for non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol) under the TRAIN Law
  • Active Drug Safety Monitoring and Management (aDSM) Program
  • Pharmaceutical Management Information System (PMIS)

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Publications

News and updates regarding the PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RA 9502

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Telephone Number: 02-8757734 Loc. 253

Address: 4th Floor, Philippine Blood Center, Lung Center Compound, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Email Address: dohncpam@gmail.com