DAVAO CITY (September 24) — As of September 19, over 500,000 Davaoeños received free medicines from Botika ng Bayan offices across the city, as reported by the City Health Office.
The number of beneficiaries continues to expand, according to CHO Pharmacy Head Gemma Pujanes, R.N., RPh, who spoke at the ISpeak Media Forum.
“Last year, 1,055,251 individuals were served by Botika ng Bayan in Davao City. As of September this year, we have already served 585,898 clients.
She informed the public that the CHO would continue to distribute free medicines and that additional supplies were being procured. Pujanes also encouraged other Dabawenyos to take advantage of the programme.
According to Pujanes, Botika ng Bayan offers multivitamins and a variety of medicines. Patients merely need to provide a legitimate doctor’s prescription. Those requesting drugs on behalf of a family member must produce the patient’s ID, the prescription, and their personal identification.
Botika ng Bayan branches may be found at the Malasakit Center in Calinan, the City Health Main Office, Toril-A, Toril-B, Bunawan, Paquibato, Marilog, Buhangin, Sasa, Tomas Claudio, Jacinto Health Center, and Agdao Health Centre.
Pujanes also reminded the public of their access to inexpensive medications and their right to request generic alternatives to branded prescriptions as part of Generics Awareness Month celebration.
“Even if they are prescribed medicines with specific brand names, they can always ask the pharmacy for their generic equivalents. This means that patients have the right to choose and the right to be informed of the generic alternatives so that medicines remain accessible and within their capacity to buy,” Pujanes clarified.
