MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said they have issued the list of essential medicines under automatic price freeze in all areas affected by the Taal eruptive activity.

He said the DOH received reports of individuals and establishments that hoard and sell essential commodities at jacked up prices.

Duque said the mandate of the Department of Health to protect the Filipino people against life-threatening situations, including those that prevent them from seeking the right and adequate products and services when they need it the most.

“It is abhorrent that there are people who take advantage of public emergencies  and profit at the expense of our suffering of countrymen,” said Duque.

He said the price freeze covers maintenance medicines and essential drugs including analgesics, anti-allergics, anticonvulsants, antiseptics, antidotes, and antibiotics among others.

It  seeks to ensure that consumers are adequately protected against profiteering, hoarding, cartels, and other similar acts that compromise their access to essential pharmaceutical products and other basic needs, especially during catastrophic events.

While the price freeze covers only areas under calamity, he said the list may also be used by the general public as a reference to the suggested retail price of the health commodities in the market.

Meanwhile, the DOH and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recommended to the Office of the President the imposition of price ceilings on N95 and disposable face masks, nebulizers and nebulization kits, oxygen cannulas, and safety goggles.

“We will not compromise the Filipino people’s welfare especially in this trying time. DOH is exerting all efforts to control prices for essential medicines and commodities for the duration of the emergency,” he concluded.

To access list of medicines, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ph/advisory/Price-Freeze-of-Basic-Essential-Medicines-in-Taal-Volcano-Eruption-Affected-Areas. (Stacy Ang/IAMIGO/Currentph.com)