CANAMAN, Camarines Sur -- 1st District Congressman Dato Arroyo rejoiced upon the passing of House Bill No. 2844, more widely known as the “Cheaper Medicines Bill,” where he was one of the 30 principal authors. The purpose of this bill is to amend provisions of several laws such as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or the Republic Act No. 8293, the Generics Act of 1998 or Republic Act 6675, and the Pharmacy Law or Republic Act No.5921.

        The medicines that this law hopes to make more affordable include those for chronic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, to name a few. Prices for vaccines, immunoglobulin, anti-serum and abortive drugs along with oral contraceptives will be closely monitored.

        One of the features of this Act is the formation of a Drug Price Regulatory Board that will control, study and implement proper prices that the poor can afford.

        Another feature of the Act is the “Parallel Importation,” which is basically being able to purchase medicines from outside the country in cheaper quantity prices. The Philippines ranks second only to Japan among the Asian countries with expensive medicines sold to the general public.

        Along with the mentioned provisions of the Act, another measure to be taken by the government is to instruct the doctors to recommend to the patients to purchase generic medicines rather than the “patented” or “branded” medicines that have higher prices.

        According to Arroyo, the passing of the Cheaper Medicines’ bill proves that the priority of the Congress is the interest of the public which should also be the priority of the medical practitioners such as the doctors. During the first two months of Dato in the Congress, he authored both House Bill No. 1706 and the Long Term Care Bill, which aim to reduce the prices of medicines and to provide medical services by the government to the senior citizens, including even those without contributions to SSS and GSIS.

        Many programs that have been spearheaded by Dato in this district focus on health concerns of the general public, with all programs being assisted by his personal foundation and the district office. Several medical missions and financial assistance to the patients have also been given.

        Apart from cheap medicines, the government and the people should maintain a clear environment, proper nutritional intake and clean water to avoid sickness.

        According to Congressman Arroyo, “The key to better opportunities and a happier life is the availability of basic services, and one of the most basic of services is better access to healthcare.”