FDA: 20 more drugs for cancer, hypertension, mental illness exempted from VAT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed 20 more medicines for cancer, hypertension, and mental illness to be exempted from value-added tax (VAT), making them more affordable for those in need of them. 

In an advisory signed by FDA Director General Samuel Zacate, 12 drugs for cancer, four for hypertension, and four others for mental illness were added on the list of VAT-exempt health products, effective February 19, Monday. 

Among the cancer medicines were 200 mg capsule of Sonidegib (as phosphate); 100 mg powder of Pemetrexed (as disodium heptahydrate); 20 mg and 40 mg tablets of Asciminib (as hydrochloride); 75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg tablets of Palbociclib; 100 mg powder and 10 mg/mL solution for injection of Pemetrexed (as disodium hemipentahydrate); 60 mg/1.5 mL concentrate for solution for injection of Cabazitaxel; and 100 mg and 200 mg capsules of Entrectinib. 

Hypertension medicines included 100 mg/5 mg and 100 mg/10 mg tablets of Losartan Potassium + Amlodipine (as besylate); and 300 mg/5 mg and 300 mg/10 mg tablets of Irbesartan + Amlodipine (as besylate)

Also exempted from the VAT according to the FDA were 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg capsules of Cariprazine (as hydrochloride), which is a drug for those who have mental illnesses. 

On February 5, Zacate wrote a letter to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. endorsing the above-mentioned drugs. 

On January 31, the BIR also exempted from VAT 21 medicines for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, mental illness, and tuberculosis.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa welcomed the development, saying that it would be beneficial for those who are suffering from illnesses. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News