MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 7 (PIA) --- The local government unit of Marawi has recently passed an ordinance imposing strict implementation of the policy that drug outlets should not dispense anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs without prescription.
This is embodied in City Ordinance No. 018, series of 2011, dubbed as “An Ordinance Implementing the “No Prescription, No Dispensing of Anti-TB Drugs” in All Drug Outlets in the Islamic City of Marawi and Providing Penalties Thereof.”
The ordinance mandates all drugstores, pharmacies, and any other business establishments authorized to sell drugs and medicines to follow the policy that anti-TB drugs should only be dispensed with the appropriate prescription from duly licensed physicians.
Under the ordinance, first-time violators will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 while a warning will be issued plus a fine of P3,000 will be imposed to second-time offenders.
For the third offense, violators will be charged a fine of P5,000 and their business license or permit will be revoked.
Meanwhile, owners of drugstores and pharmacies have expressed support to the new ordinance.
In a public hearing conducted here last month, they assured the city government that they will advise their clients or anti-TB drugs buyers to consult first with duly registered physicians.
In return, they urged the city government to disseminate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to better inform and educate the public on the said ordinance.
City Ordinance No 018 was sponsored by Kagawad Abdani T. Alonto of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on Health. (PIA-10)
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