Is one suffering
from Chronic Illness a Disabled person? This has been discussed
with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) 2 years ago and was
answered in the negative.
First, Republic
Act 9442, amending RA 7277, the Magna Carta for disabled persons, provides
that the 20% discount for the purchase of medicine shall be for the exclusive
use and emjoyment of persons with disability, thus:
CHAPTER 8. Other Privileges and Incentives
“SEC. 32. Persons with disability shall be entitled to
the following:
(c) At least twenty percent (20%) discount for the
purchase of medicines in all drugstores for the exclusive use or enjoyment of persons with disability;”
Second, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9442
states that the granting of said 20% discount is subject to the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH), thus:
“IRR OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9442,
6.1.d Purchase of Medicine – at least twenty percent
(20%) discount on the purchase of medicine for the exclusive use and enjoyment of persons with disability. All drug
stores, hospital, pharmacies, clinics and other similar establishments selling
medicines are required to provide at least twenty percent (20%) discount
subject to the guidelines issued by DOH and PHILHEALTH.”
Third, the DOH-Administrative
Order No. 2009-0011 has made clear in its “Rationale” and in the
“Definition of Terms,” particularly on the “Disability Types,” the phrase
“Chronic Illnesses with Disabilities”
or “disability due to chronic illness,”
thus:
