Published By: Patrick Lance Guerra
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Time Published: 7:38 AM
The Department of Health (DOH) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on 148 essential medicines in 40 areas placed under a state of calamity due to recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon, as announced on Thursday, July 24.
DOH explained that under the Price Act, a price freeze automatically takes effect when a state of calamity is declared, ensuring that basic and essential commodities remain affordable to affected communities.
“As provided under the Price Act, the price freeze is effective within 60 days from the declaration of a state of calamity in a locality, unless the President lifts it at an earlier date,” DOH stated in its advisory.
As of the latest advisory, 40 areas have declared a state of calamity due to the combined impact of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, as well as the enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat, which brought heavy rains and flooding to several provinces.
The health department clarified that the price freeze will remain valid for 60 days from the date of the declaration in each area unless the President orders an earlier lifting of the mandate.
Medicines covered by the freeze include treatments for fever, bacterial infections, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension since these are the conditions that require constant and timely access to medication, especially during disasters.
Among the examples mentioned in the list are Paracetamol for fever and pain relief, Metformin for diabetes management, Amoxicillin for bacterial infections, and Salbutamol inhalers for asthma attacks.
The price freeze covers various forms and dosages, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions, injectables, and inhalers, depending on the type of medicine and its intended use.
According to DOH, “Both branded and generic medicines are included in the freeze to ensure access to quality healthcare during emergencies.”
Aside from medicines, the 60-day price freeze also covers basic necessities like rice, vegetables, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, and essential household items like laundry soap and candles.
“Consumers are encouraged to report cases of overpricing to the DOH Hotline (02) 8651-7800 and the DTI Hotline (1384),” the department also advised.
DOH also stated this advisory aims to protect public welfare by maintaining stable prices and preventing unjust price hikes during a time when many families are already struggling with the effects of natural calamities.
REFERENCES:
[1] Baron, G. (2025, July 24). DOH reminds public of medicine price freeze in calamity-hit areas. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2025/07/24/doh-reminds-public-of-medicine-price-freeze-in-calamity-hit-areas
[2] Department of Health. (2025, July 24). Price Freeze for Drugs and Medicines. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16FnDDSG0n5tUfTHL3lHV9Ycjgnsgygey/view?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLu049leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr00p7HXZgeLE3UdwQlOMxrVgKNNW1KyRRplSrKyLbnPkGRr0_4bDHcMwzNQ_aem_P5Ik3SA_c2KpCCdu9eZdbw
[3] GMA Integrated News. (2025, July 24). DOH: Price freeze for 148 medicines in areas under state of calamity. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/953637/doh-price-freeze-for-148-medicines-in-areas-under-state-of-calamity/story/
[4] Sampang, D. (2025, July 24). Price freeze for 148 medicines in effect in areas under state of calamity. INQUIRER. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2086596/price-freeze-for-148-medicines-in-effect-in-areas-under-state-of-calamity
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