Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg.Or., 2 nd district) said the House of Representatives committee on health should conduct a thorough study and investigation on the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2007, which was passed recently.

He said although he is supporting the law, a careful study must be conducted to eliminate its gray areas. This will also clarify whether or not the country can really lower down the cost of medicines, Arnaiz said.

The solon said he wanted to know the reasons why the country has expensive medicines compared to India.

At present prices of branded medicines are very high that poor patients can not afford, he said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Emilio Macias II said he also plans to revive the pharmacy inside the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, in order to sell cheaper medicines to the patients.

Aside from Negrenses, the NOPH is also serving patients from southern Cebu, and some parts of Mindanao and Negros Occidental, Macias added.*MA

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