DOH warns public vs. online medicine purchase
THE Department of Health (DOH) advised the public against buying medicines online.
During the DOH 4th Quarter Media Forum held at Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City, Assistant Secretary Atty. Charade Mercado Grande, of the Health Regulation Team, said that DOH cannot guarantee the safety and quality of medicines bought from online shops, specially when the seller is not registered to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
Grande said pharmacies that sell medicines online should not deliver purchases and should only book orders, and purchased medicines for “pick-up” only.
He warned that online sellers are liable and can be penalized with fines and jail term.
Meanwhile, Grande said the DOH is currently investigating 77 hospitals in Region 1 for violation of Republic Act 10932 or Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, and RA 9439, or the Anti-Hospital Detention Law.
Under RA 10932, imposition of advance and/or deposit payments are strictly prohibited on patients treated or confined due to emergency and other serious cases; failure to provide medical services owing to failure of patient to make advance payment that could result in the patient’s disability or death.
On the other hand, RA 9439 prohibits the detention of a patient – either well or dead – who either failed to pay in advance or entirely pay his medical bills and expenses.
Under the law, patients are allowed to be released from hospitals or medical clinics, provided that they were able to sign a promissory note.
“The promissory may be in form of mortgage or a co-maker guarantee, to which they could also be liable if the patient neglects his obligation”, said Grande.
The DOH clarified that the laws do not apply to patients using a private room. (Ahikam Pasion)
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