FDA ABOLISHES DISCOUNT BOOKLET FOR SENIOR CITIZEN MEDICINE AND DEVICE PURCHASES

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially removed the requirement for senior citizens to present a purchase booklet to avail of the 20 percent discount and 12 percent VAT exemption on medicines and medical devices.

This change follows the Department of Health’s directive that aligns with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which grants these benefits.

Seniors now only need to present a valid ID, such as a Senior Citizens’ ID or other government-issued IDs proving age and citizenship, to access the discounts.

For prescription medicines and devices, a valid doctor’s prescription with detailed information is still required.

The FDA emphasized that all establishments must honor the discount and VAT exemption upon presentation of the proper identification and prescription.

Source: PhilNews24 | September 5, 2025