CEBU City Councilor Philip Zafra has passed a resolution establishing a Botika sa Barangay in three district areas to prioritize medical care and the well-being of residents.

Zafra requested the Office of the Mayor through the City Health Office to set up pharmacies inside barangay health centers where medicines for fever, common cold, diabetes and hypertension will be made available to the public for free after they are checked by health workers.

“In order that more services can be availed of, additional programs may be introduced such as, but not limited to, the opening of Botika sa Barangay and the putting up of equipment for lab works, among others,” the resolution reads.

In the resolution, Zafra stated health centers established in barangays have been very useful in addressing health problems in their jurisdictions.

He said health centers have addressed the health care gap since services offered by the Cebu City Medical Center have been limited while the construction of its building has been delayed.

Under his proposal, the Botika sa Barangay will be manned by licensed pharmacists.

Zafra said the resolution was forwarded to the City Health Office to further develop a plan for the project.

He said that it should be the topmost priority of every local government unit to look after the well-being of its people. (JJL)