Seventeen more drugs exempted from VAT in Philippines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Philippines has added 17 new drug products to its list of essential medications that are exempt from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT). This change aims to make medicines more affordable for Filipinos. The newly VAT-free drugs include 12 for high cholesterol, three for diabetes, one for hypertension, and one for mental illness. These drugs became VAT-exempt on December 10, marking the seventh update in 2024 to the list of VAT-exempt medications. Among the new medications is a combination of Amlodipine and Atorvastatin, which are used to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also added are two diabetes medications: Gemigliptin and Metformin, as well as Sitagliptin and Metformin. An antipsychotic drug, Risperidone, is now also VAT-exempt; it helps treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues. Overall, there are now more than 2,000 medications that are VAT-exempt, covering a range of health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and mental health disorders. For those interested in the full list, the FDA provides a searchable database online.