President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program aimed at improving access to essential medicines.
The program, launched by the FDA, the Professional Regulation Commission, and the private sector, addresses the shortage of around 27,500 registered pharmacists nationwide.
It introduces flexible supervision methods like telepharmacy and video supervision to allow licensed pharmacists to remotely oversee multiple community pharmacies.
The initiative will be implemented until 2027 in selected pilot areas, including Caloocan, Manila, and Iloilo.
The FDA will regulate and ensure compliance with the Philippine Pharmacy Act, which requires one registered pharmacist per pharmacy.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 10, 2025
