HEALTH Secretary Esperanza Cabral reiterated on Monday that all drugstores and hospital pharmacies should comply with the Government-Mediated Access Price (GMAP) program of the government to help ease the burden of the poor in accessing medicines.
In August 2009, the DOH through its regional Centers for Health Development and in coordination with various agencies and institutions, implemented the first round of GMAP and the Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP).
On March 31, another set of 98 products were offered for price cuts under the GMAP initiative by eleven (11) manufacturing firms.
Penalties imposed on violators are based on Republic Act No. 9502 (Cheaper Medicines Law) and its Implementing Rules & Regulations.
As of April 6, 123 drug retail outlets and hospital pharmacies in Metro Manila (78 drugstores and pharmacies) and other regions (45) were found to have violated the MDRP and GMAP since their implementation in August last year. As a consequence, these outlets have already been issued Cease and Desist Orders. Administrative fines ranging from P1,000-P50,000 per drug violation for the GMAP and MDRP have been imposed. Repeated violations of the GMAP and the MDRP can incur penalties of as much as P50,000-P5,000,000 with accompanying suspension or revocation of their Licenses to Operate, depending on the gravity and extent of the violation. (PIA-Bohol)
