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

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. Only half are given full discount every time they ask for it, and 32% are given to the VAT exemption. As a result, less than half (48%) are able to buy all 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.