DTI mulls expanded coverage for cheap drugs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is studying proposals to expand the coverage of imported medical products under the "Presyong Tama, Gamot Pampamilya" program.

Aside from the 34 branded medicines offered at present under the program, the DTI is also studying the proposals of provincial and municipal health officers to also import other medical products such as dextrose, X-ray plates, and injectibles.

According to provincial and municipal health officers, the prices of such items continue to rise in local drug outlets.

The ‘Presyong Tama’ program was prompted by a government study which showed that prices of branded medicines in the Philippines are the highest in Asia, with the exception of Japan.

Under the mechanism of parallel importation, the DTI imported branded medicines from drug manufacturers abroad.

The imported medicines are of the same quality and efficacy as those manufactured locally and sold in retail outlets.

However, medicines imported under the program are 20 percent to 80 percent cheaper than those sold locally.

The project initially covered only six medicines, distributed through eight public hospitals.

Because of its popularity and benefits to the public, the program now covers 34 brands which are distributed in 76 accredited hospitals.

The DTI has even convinced several local government units (LGUs) to subscribe to the program, which will now be available nationwide.

According to Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II, "the savings that LGUs would generate would be channeled to other priority programs and projects."