The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has expanded its list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines, adding 16 new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
Updated VAT-Exempt Medicines
The new exemptions, detailed under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 131-2024, reflect the latest updates from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The list includes:
- Cancer treatments: Degarelix freeze-dried powder (80 mg and 120 mg) and Tremelimumab concentrates (25 mg and 300 mg).
- Diabetes medications: Sitagliptin and Linagliptin film-coated tablets.
- Mental illness treatments: Clomipramine Hydrochloride tablets and Midazolam film-coated tablets.
Support for Affordable Healthcare
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui emphasized the agency’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible.
“The BIR supports the national government’s thrust of more affordable medicine and healthcare. The BIR will do its share in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he said in a statement.
This move aligns with broader efforts to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to essential medicines for millions of Filipinos.