Does DIDFA apply to the dispensing of drugs in public hospitals?

The Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act (DIDFA) focuses on the dispensing of certain medications and set regulations regarding interchangeable drugs, primarily impacting public pharmacies. However, public hospitals are governed under a different regulatory framework, which is the Public Hospitals Act. This act outlines the operational standards and the provision of healthcare services within public hospitals, including how medications are managed and dispensed.

In a public hospital setting, the processes for medication management, including the use and dispensing of drugs, can differ from those in community pharmacies. As such, the rules and guidelines stipulated by DIDFA do not apply in the same way, because hospitals often have their own protocols in line with the Public Hospitals Act, which take precedence in this context. This distinction is crucial for understanding how regulations interact in various healthcare settings.