DOH AO 2017-0008 Implementing Guidelines of Republic Act 10754, otherwise known as “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability”, for the Provision of Medical and Health-related Discounts and Special Privileges Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY June 01, 2017 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 2017 – 0008 SUBJECT: Implementing Guidelines of Republic Act 10754, otherwise known as “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability”, for the Provision of Medical and Health-related Discounts and Special Privileges I. RATIONALE In the pursuit of achieving “All for Health towards Health for All”, the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) defines the blueprint of the government’s strategies to have an inclusive and responsive health care for all Filipinos. The PHA guarantees the provision of health services to all Filipinos especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable such as the persons with disabilities (PWDs). In response, the Department of Health (DOH) ensures that relevant policies and plans for the Health and Wellness Program for PWDs are crafted and implemented in accordance with the PHA and current governing laws. The Republic Act (RA) 10754, otherwise known as “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability”, was enacted into law on March 23, 2016 and its corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was signed on December 1, 2016. This law expands the benefits and privileges of PWDs by amending Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities”. In particular, Section 1 of RA 10754 amends Section 32 of RA 7277 entitling the PWDs to at least twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of certain goods and services from all establishments for the exclusive use, enjoyment, or availment of the PWD. As mandated in Rule IV, Secs. 6.4 and 6.5 of the IRR of RA 10754, the DOH, in coordination with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), shall issue the corresponding guidelines, circulars or directives related to the purchase of health and medical goods and availment of services from medical establishments. In this regard, the DOH is hereby repealing DOH Administrative Order (AO) 2009-0011 to include the additional benefits and privileges stated in the RA 10754 and its IRR. II. OBJECTIVES To provide guidelines for the implementation of at least 20% discount and VAT exemption in all medical, and health-related services for PWDs. III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE This Administrative Order applies to all private and government hospitals and other health facilities, health care professionals, PhilHealth, pharmacies, and other establishments providing medical and health-related care and services to PWDs.

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