RESCUE. Authorities evacuate residents in Barangay Lasip, Calasiao town, Pangasinan due to rising flood waters on Wednesday (July 23, 2025). The municipal government of Calasiao in Pangasinan declared a state of calamity on Wednesday due to severe flooding caused by caused by Tropical Storm Crising and southwest monsoon, as well as water coming from the upland areas going downstream. (Photo courtesy of Calasiao Police Station)
MANILA – A price freeze on 148 essential medicines is in effect in all areas officially declared under a state of calamity, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.
The measure aims to ensure the continued availability and affordability of life-saving medications for affected residents during times of crisis, the agency said in an advisory.
The DOH said the price freeze will remain in effect for 60 days and covers commonly used treatments for infections, hypertension, diabetes, and other critical illnesses.
This is in accordance with Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, which mandates automatic price control during calamities to prevent overpricing and profiteering.
The DOH urged the public to check the complete list of medicines covered by the price freeze by scanning the QR code available in official DOH materials or visiting the DOH website: https://bit.ly/PriceFreezeDOH
It also encouraged the public to report any cases of overpricing to the proper authorities through the DOH Hotline: (02) 8651-7800 and the DTI Hotline: 1-384
No to doxycycline self-medication
In line with rising health risks due to recent flooding and continuous rainfall, the DOH also issued a public advisory against the unsupervised use of doxycycline, an antibiotic used for preventing and treating leptospirosis.
The DOH emphasized that taking doxycycline without a doctor’s prescription is dangerous.
Improper or unnecessary use of the antibiotic may lead to bacterial resistance, making future infections harder to treat and potentially resulting in prolonged or more severe illness.
“The appropriate use of doxycycline depends on an individual’s risk level and exposure to contaminated floodwater,” the DOH said.
It also urges the public to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and prescription. (PNA)