DOH drops booklet requirement for senior citizen discounts on medicines

The Department of Health (DOH) has eased the requirements for senior citizens to avail of their 20% discount on medicines and medical devices by eliminating the need for purchase booklets.

Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa issued Administrative Order No. 2024-0017 on Monday, amending previous orders tied to Republic Act No. 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010." The new directive removes the booklet presentation requirement for purchasing prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and medical devices.

"The Department recognizes that requiring senior citizens to present purchase booklets during every transaction to avail the 20% discount in the purchase of medicines results in undue burden and difficulties," the issued order read.

The order also emphasized that statutory law does not mandate the use of a purchase booklet to claim the discount, aligning the guidelines more closely with the law’s intent.