Press Release
April 30, 2008

Pia welcomes passage of Cheaper Medicines Law,
vows to continue work on complementary measures

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today welcomed the ratification of the "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008" even as she called for the cooperation of her fellow lawmakers and all stakeholders in the health sector to help the new law achieve its objective of bringing down drug prices.

"Passing this law and overcoming the obstacles is only half the work. The other half and more difficult part is in working together to ensure that the objectives of this law are realized," Cayetano, co-sponsor of the landmark measure, said.

The lady senator added that she will continue to work on several proposals complementing the new law, particularly proposals to strengthen the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to enable the agency to effectively monitor the quality and efficacy of both branded and generics drugs being distributed in the market.

Cayetano also vowed to continue work on other "complementary measures" aimed at making other aspects of health care affordable and accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

"We have already heard measures aimed at reviewing the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, and we will hold our second hearing next week on maternal health, including reproductive health, with the aim of bringing down our maternal, child and infant mortality rates in keeping with our commitments to the Millennium Development Goals."

"We will also conduct hearings with the end in view of achieving universal coverage and better benefit packages under Philhealth."

"I agree that the Generics Act has to be effectively implemented. But I don't think the solution lies in taking out the doctor's prescription authority as espoused by the proponents of the generics only provision. On this note, I am calling a series of hearings to review the Generics Act with end-view of identifying mechanisms to make the law work more effectively."

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