Photo credit: Bacolod PIO

Senior citizens can now enjoy a smoother process when availing their 20% discount on prescription and non-prescription medicines, including vitamins and mineral supplements. Starting today, the Department of Health (DOH) has officially removed the requirement to present a purchase booklet at drugstores and pharmacies.

This change comes after Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-0017, streamlining the discount process for seniors. However, seniors will still need to show a valid ID and a doctor’s prescription to avail of the discount, as other provisions of previous administrative orders (AO No. 2010-0032 and AO No. 2012-0007) remain in effect.

“Senior citizen rin ako. Alam kong mahirap laging magdala ng purchase booklet. Kailangan ng mga nakatatanda ang diskuwento sa kanilang mga gamot, at dapat madali nating makuha iyon,” said Herbosa in a DOH press release.

He added, “Sa ngalan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., kami sa DOH ay nagbibigay ng regalong ito ng kaginhawahan at mas abot-kayang gamot sa lahat ng ating mga senior citizen.”