Senior citizens will no longer need to carry those bulky purchase booklets just to enjoy their medicine discounts at pharmacies.
The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered all FDA-licensed drugstores to honor the 20% discount for seniors even without the traditional booklet, as long as they present a valid ID and, when required, a doctorโs prescription.
The change is part of Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, aligning with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Why scrap the booklet?
For years, the booklet served as a tracking tool โ a safeguard against abuse of discounts. But the DOH said it has become a burden, especially for the elderly who often misplace or forget to bring it.
โThis is about removing unnecessary barriers,โ Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said when the order was first rolled out. โOur seniors deserve easier access to medicine, not red tape.โ
Pushback from drugstores
Not all pharmacies welcomed the change. Some argued that the booklet provided accountability and helped monitor repetitive purchases. Reports earlier this year showed that a number of drugstores were still insisting on the booklet despite the DOH directive.
The DOH has since clarified: compliance is non-negotiable. Drugstores caught refusing discounts without a booklet may face penalties.
What seniors need to know
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Valid ID is enough โ The ID must show that the customer is at least 60 years old.
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Prescription still required โ For prescribed medicines, a doctorโs note remains necessary.
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No booklet, no problem โ Pharmacies must honor the discount with just these documents.
For millions of Filipino seniors who rely on daily maintenance meds, the reform means one less worry when lining up at drugstores.
โThis may look like a small change, but for seniors, itโs a relief,โ said advocacy groups pushing for better healthcare access.
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