Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today served a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) to four drug stores found violating the government’s Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP) program. The said CDO prevents drug stores from selling and offering for sale identified drug product sold at a price higher than the imposed MDRP. Said drug stores were given 72 hours to show valid cause in writing and present evidence why no further administrative or legal action should be taken against them. These four drug stores are Stardust Drug and Medical Supplies Corporation, Cheer-Up Drug Store, Sunburst Drug Corporation all in Rizal Avenue  in front of the Department of Health and the South Star Drug located in Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Duque also visited the Santo Tomas University Hospital Pharmacy and found them complying with the government program.

Press Release/24 August 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today belied allegations that the agency is not complying with the Supreme Court (SC) decision concerning the Manila Bay cleanup.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that on May 5 this year, the DOH reported to the Department of Environment & Natural Resources that it has issued a memorandum (dated February 2, 2009) to all directors of the DOH-Centers for Health Development nationwide regarding the requirement of the SC decision.

“I directed them to undertake necessary actions to ensure the strict compliance of all septic and sludge companies as require by the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines,” Duque said.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III is warmly welcomed by the Barangay Health Workers’ Federation of Oriental Mindoro during his arrival at the RGV Gymnasium for the celebration of their 17th year anniversary and 8th Provincial Convention. During his speech, Duque underscored the urgency of a law for the protection of BHWs and their much-deserved benefits as they play a major role in the delivery of health needs of the people. He also said that BHWs are the foundation of an effective health system in the country. (21 August 2009) 

Press Release/18 August 2009 

The Department of Health (DOH) today conveyed its gratefulness to the public for the high marks it got in recent surveys regarding its efforts and capability in addressing the A (H1N1) threat and on its endeavor to raise public awareness on the novel virus. 

The June 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 80% of the respondents believed that the DOH is very/somewhat ready to fight A (H1N1), 83% are aware of the health advisory, and 78% are satisfied with the current efforts of the DOH against the disease. 

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (standing 6th from left), together with some lawmakers and other cabinet officials today witnessed the signing of the amendment to Republic Act No. 3720 by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The bill, which was authored by Senator Pia Cayetano, aims to strengthen the functions/roles of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), now the Food and Drug Administration.

Press Release/17 August 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today reminded the public to take care of their eyes as approximately 314 million people worldwide are estimated to live with low vision and blindness, according to the 2002 World Health Organization data.

 “We have coordinated a nationwide eye screening and cataract surgery with selected government and private hospitals, so I urge the public to have their eyes checked up to prevent blindness later in life”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The global figure translates to 3.4 million Filipinos who are visually impaired, according to the 3rd National Blindness Survey done in 2002. Of these, 3.2 million have visual impairment in one or both eyes while 461,121 are blind in both eyes.

Press Release/15 August 2009
The Department of Health (DOH) today announced the start of the availability of selected essential drugs and medicines at 50% reduced prices in all drug retail outlets across the country.
 
The good news came after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accepted the letter of undertaking of pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily reduce prices of 16 common and expensive medicines and signed on July 27 Executive Order 821 that prescribes the maximum drug retail price (MDRP) for 5 selected drugs and medicines for diseases that account for the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.

The Department of Health (DOH) today expressed its gratitude to the public for conveying their confidence in the government’s capability of looking after their health in the light of the most recent survey results that showed positive satisfaction> ratings. 

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) latest survey revealed that the government got a +40 satisfaction rating (the highest net rating among the 13 issues surveyed) on “the issue of protecting the public from the outbreak of diseases” and a +14 rating for “ensuring that medicines are available”.