A TOTAL of five Botika ng Bayan (BNB) have been established so far in Davao City, providing outpatient and pharmacy services with free and accessible medicines for the needs of indigent Dabawenyos.
Gilda Saljay, Trustee of the Philippine Pharmacist Association Board, said during Mondaay's (April 29) Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex Building that during their annual convention at SMX Convention Center on May 4, they will highlight the positive benefits of BNB.
“This convention will also highlight our Botika ng Bayan. [It] is a new model of pharmacy practice. Ito po ang talagang model here in the Philippines and this is passionately being supported by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio,” Saljay said.
In Davao City, she said the BNBs are located across the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Toril, Calinan, Magallanes Street, and Bunawan.
The BNB aims to provide access to free essential over-the-counter medicines for common diseases in the community in partnership with the local government units targeting indigent and marginalized sectors of the population, she said.
“Very passionate siya (Duterte-Carpio) to really support the Universal Health Care. Magkakaroon ng free medicines all over the country sa lahat ng pasyente, mayaman, mahirap, whatever age,” she added.
To avail themselves of the free medicine, patients must bring valid prescription from their doctors and show it at different areas of Botika ng Bayan.
Saljay said Duterte-Carpio has requested the Department of Health (DOH), who funded this government-run pharmacy, to open 17 more Botika ng Bayan in the city and has gained positive feedback from the Health department.
“Ito ang focus ng DOH parallel doon sa Universal Health Care para lahat ng Pilipino, you have the access to medicines. We have packages for hypertension, diabetes, for senior citizens, they will be having better privilege,” she added.