The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

16 July 2010

ASP Joins PWD Groups to Air Grievance vs. Drugstores

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary


Wheelchair Logo
The 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week (July 17-23) with the theme, “Sa Istrukturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able” would be the beginning of the series of mass actions of the PWD sector to claim their rights as embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Philippines ratified the UNCRPD on April 15, 2008.

Yesterday, ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon joined other heads of national organizations of persons with disabilities (PWD) for a press conference at the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) in Quezon City.

The PWD groups warned of planning to file class suits against private corporations as well as government institutions for violation of the mandate stated in Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

It has been more than a year since the Department of Health issued Administrative Order No. 2009 – 0011 that mandates the full implementation of this law Click here to read a previous thread.

Among the guidelines stated in the DOH Administrative Order, all drug stores and pharmacies must provide twenty (20%) discounts for PWDs in their medicine purchases, which is similar to what is given to Senior Citizens. However to this date, a group of drug stores continuously violate the aforementioned law.

Rival Networks Cover Violations against PWDs
Last night, during an interview with the ABS-CBN’s Bandila news crew, Dang Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus, was assisted to purchase medicines for her son, Gio at a drugstore nearby her home.

Gio, who has autism, needs his daily medication. Aside from the medicines, Dang also spends for his therapy and frequent follow-up visits to the doctor. She bought with her Gio’s doctor’s prescription, PWD Medicines Booklet, and PWD ID. However, she was not given the discount. Click here to watch the video.

Medicines are vital to the day to day existence of some children and adults with autism, who rely on their medication to stabilize their condition. (Some PWAs suffer from seizures).

Another network, GMA7’s 24 Oras, also posted a father’s frustration over the refusal of a certain drugstore of his autistic son’s PWD ID. He is unable to get the discounts for his son’s medicines, which is a daily struggle. “What about the poorest of the poor?” he said. He then appealed to President Aquino, for PWDs be treated fairly in accordance with RA 9442, or the amended Magna Carta for PWDs.

Click here to watch video

Several broadsheets also posted the press conference.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Star
Manila Times
GMA News

PWD Frustration + Denial =Indignation
Persons with Disabilities from Metro Manila and nearby regions plan to have an indignation mass action to bring this matter to public attention. They also plan to file a formal complaint to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) prior to taking the issue to the court.

ASP continues to work hard keeping members and supporters informed about PWD rights and privileges. Sign up now to be a member of Autism Society Philippines. Be informed. Be pro-active. Be an Advocate. Be an Angel for Autism. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496. Log on to ASP Community Website.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Sweet Tomatoes Printable Coupons