MANILA — To guarantee that the public has access to vital health information, the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday launched an online list of medicines and guidelines on the proper use of antibiotics.

In a statement, the DOH said the online Philippine National Formulary (PNF) provides information on the use of essential drugs for priority diseases in the country.

The National Antibiotic Guidelines, meanwhile, is a supplement to the PNF that guides healthcare providers on the rational use of antibiotics.

The formulary contains information on 619 drugs and medicines, and "comprehensive pharmacology information to aid health professionals in making clinical decisions," said Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo.

Aside from the online version, a new edition of the PNF manual will be printed and distributed by the last quarter of 2019 for healthcare facilities, Domingo added.