Not senior citizen-friendly

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BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
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Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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IN OUR culture we respect senior citizens, so why make it difficult for them to purchase medicines and avail themselves of their privilege provided for by law?

As provided in our Constitution, the state is duty-bound to recognize the rights of senior citizens by providing support though various social systems. Thus, senior citizens are granted benefits and privileges that range from 20 percent discount and VAT (value-added tax) exemption to mandatory membership in the government’s healthcare system, PhilHealth.

Senior citizens are granted several benefits and privileges under Republic Act No. 9994 and Republic Act No. 10645. To avail himself or herself of these benefits, the senior citizen or his/her authorized representative shall present a valid and original Senior Citizen’s Identification Card.

Moi has always believed that it is inherent in a Filipino to respect – and extend help when needed – our senior citizens even if it means sometimes going out of your way.

Our elders were there before us and whatever we have today is because of them. The old man you see on the street is a father or a grandfather and it behoves upon us to extend whatever accommodations we can give because we will eventually become him.

That is how moi was brought up and never realized that many people do not share the same sentiments, that is until a rather unfortunate situation last Monday.

Moi is already as senior citizen and so far this aging gracefully like fine wine has made the transition from the hippie of “sex, drugs , alcohol and rock and roll” lifestyle to an ageing hippie spending a quiet afternoon in a coffee shop quite pleasant.

But there’s always a first time for everything:

Last Monday moi was at the doctor for a check-up for some minor ailment and the doctor gave a prescription for medicines to treat the ailment.

The doctor’s clinic was along General Luna Street and the nearest drug store or pharmacy was the Mercury Drug Branch also on General Luna.

At the counter moi of course presented the doctor’s prescription and inquired if that particular medicine was available in their pharmacy.

Take note, people, that the prescribed medicine is not a prohibited drug and the sale of such will never interest the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA, neither will anybody who uses the said medicine will be included in the latest “Tokhang” campaign of the Philippine National Police.

In short, it is a harmless prescription drug only meant to give relief to whatever ailment this old man is suffering.

So the sales clerk who goes by the name Nona Abastillas, after checking their stocks, said it is available. Naturally I gave her my Senior Citizen’s ID card (an older version not bearing the picture of Former Iloilo City and World Mayor No. 5 Jed Mabilog).

Now, this Senior Citizen ID Card issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs or OSCA is very much valid accepted by airlines, hotels and restaurants all over theses islands.

She then asked me for my booklet to which my reply was it wasn’t with me as there was no intention to purchase any medicine; it was just an inquiry but since it was available I might as well purchase it.

This sales clerk replied that without the booklet, their pharmacy will not honor your senior citizen’s ID but you can purchase the medicine at the regular price.

A little consideration was asked considering that it would be illogical to go home and get the booklet. I offered to come back the next day with the booklet and again asked this person to give this old man a little consideration.

And her reply was, we cannot accept your prescription since it does not have your name. I offered to call the doctor that prescribed the medicine but was just ignored.

And it was the same story with the store manager, a certain Lani T. Galindo, no sympathy for the old man, just apathy.

Thinking out of the box to help a senior citizen is not breaking the law but an act of kindness.

Giving a little consideration, random acts of kindness goes a long way but I suppose these concepts are totally alien to the sales clerk and her boss, which makes one wonder how they treat their fathers and grandfathers.

In case you’re wondering, yes, moi was able to purchase the medicine from Watson’s Drug Store, with senior citizen’s discount and all without much ado. (brotherlouie16@gmail.com/PN)
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