Cheaper medicines
WE doff our hat to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for endorsing the exemption of 22 more medicines from the value-added tax (VAT).
This is aimed at making the said vital medicines for cancer, hypertension and mental illness more accessible to impoverished people.
The endorsement was contained in FDA Advisory No. 2024-0329 to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It was signed by Director General Samuel Zacate.
They included Sonidergib (as phosphate) 200 mg capsule, Losartan plus Amlodoipine (as besilate) in 100 mg/10 mg and 100 mg/5 mg tablet, and Cariprazine.
The VAT exemption of these vital medicines took effect last February 19.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the agency under his watch would issue circulars that would make the lives of Filipinos financially easier.”
We support the ongoing move of concerned government offices and agencies to bring down the prices of drugs and medical supplies.
All these, in the view of various quarters, are correct moves at this time of economic hardship not only in the Philippines but elsewhere.
