Gov’t launches pilot program to expand access to pharmacies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and private sector have launched a pilot program to improve access to medicines in underserved areas.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program for Flexible Supervision of Pharmacies, which allows licensed pharmacists to remotely supervise multiple community pharmacies through telepharmacy and video monitoring.

The initiative addresses the country’s shortage of about 27,500 registered pharmacists, as reported by the Private Sector Advisory Council.

To be implemented from 2025 to 2027, the program will test flexible supervision systems while maintaining compliance with the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016 (RA 10918), which requires one registered pharmacist per pharmacy.

Pilot areas include Caloocan, Manila, Abra, Ilocos, La Union, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Iloilo, Negros, and Misamis.

Participating pharmacy chains include Mercury Drug, Watsons, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, Generika, MedExpress, TGP, and several community-based establishments.

The FDA will oversee compliance and ensure safety and quality standards are upheld throughout the pilot phase.IMT