Effect of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act 9994) on drug accessibility among the elderly

Abstract

Objective. This study aims to determine the effect of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 on drug accessibility among elderly. Methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional design involving 775 senior citizens from Manila, Pampanga, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro and Iligan. Results. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of senior citizens were not aware of the law, but 90% knew about the 20% discount and 54% knew about the 12% VAT exemption. Half (50%) of them ask for 20% discount all the time when they buy their medicines. Conclusion. Privileges are not fully enjoyed by senior citizens either due to lack of awareness or noncompliance of drug outlets to the provisions of the Law.