Kalma!
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday clarified that its pronouncement about expanding livelihood and healthcare access through sari-sari stores by allowing them to sell over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is just a suggestion — not a policy.
Earlier on Friday, the agency posted on its official Meta (Facebook) page that the DTI is contemplating the proposal following a meeting between Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Customer First Distribution, Inc. The goal, it said, was “to create new income opportunities for micro-retailers while improving access to essential health products in communities.”
Customer First Distribution Inc. is a player in the warehouse club, supercenter, and general merchandise retail industry.
The pronouncement raised eyebrows among pharmacists and pharmacy owners, who said the move would violate existing Philippine laws governing the handling and dispensing of pharmaceutical products.
Facebook user Gether Exclamado Villarosa, a pharmacy owner, said in a post that the DTI’s move violates Republic Act 10918, or the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016 — particularly Section 31, which clearly states that only licensed pharmacists are allowed to dispense and sell pharmaceutical products, including OTC medicines.
The law also prohibits the sale of pharmaceutical products in unlicensed outlets, such as sari-sari stores.
In response, Secretary Roque quickly explained that the department acknowledges the concerns raised by stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors regarding the company's proposal.
“We are fully aware of the potential health risks associated with OTC drug products and the importance of ensuring their safe and responsible distribution,” she said.
Roque further assured the public that the initiative is only a proposal at this stage, and nothing has been finalized.
“The DTI does not proceed with any actions without proper consultation with all relevant stakeholders. We remain committed to ensuring that any future policy aligns with existing regulations, prioritizes public health and safety, and undergoes thorough review and consultation,” she added.