DILG Says “Sari-Sari” Stores May Apply For FDA License To Sell Over-The-Counter Medicines

DILG: “Sari-sari stores can actually apply to the FDA.”

DILG — The Department of the Interior and Local Government said that “sari-sari” stores may apply for authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell over-the-counter medicines.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año
Photo: PCOO

On Friday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a TV interview that “sari-sari” stores can sell medicines if they’re given authorization from FDA.

Año also called on small “sari-sari” stores to apply for a license to sell non-prescription drugs with the Food and Drug Administration — on top of the usual business licenses issued by local government units (LGUs).

Sari-sari stores can actually apply to the FDA. If they are given authorization, then that’s the time when they can sell medicines,” Año said.

sari-sari store
Photo source: Inquirer

Besides the documentary requirements, “sari-sari” stores seeking to be authorized sellers of over-the-counter medicines needed to cough up PHP 1,000 for an initial license with a one-year validity.

Renewals will cost PHP 2,000 but the license shall be valid for 2 years.

The suggestion came a day after Año called on all LGUs in the country to pass ordinances prohibiting the sale of medicines by “sari-sari” stores. Año also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately arrest violators.

READ ALSO: FDA Plans To Ask LGUs To Prohibit “Sari-Sari” Stores From Selling Medicines

Some people were appealing to allow “sari-sari” stores to continue to at least sell over-the-counter medicines, considering possible emergency cases and the distance of pharmacies and other drug outlets from their residences.

Only FDA-licensed pharmacies or drug stores are allowed to sell medicines to the public.

DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, meanwhile, called on the public to buy medicines only from authorized pharmacies and drug stores in the country.

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