(Image from CIO)
DAVAO CITY – The City Health Office’s (CHO) Botika ng Bayan here has provided free medicines to more than 1.3 million Dabawenyos since 2018.
In an interview Tuesday, Gemma Pujanes, head of the CHO pharmacy section, said the program ensures residents have access to free medicines.
The city’s botika (pharmacy) offers free maintenance medicines, antibiotics, cough and cold medicines, pain relievers, and fever medication.
“This is a big help for the Dabawenyos since it lessens their out-of-pocket expenses on medicines,” Pujanes said.
Currently, there are 11 Botika ng Bayan located in health districts: Bunawan, Calinan, Toril A (Toril Proper), Toril B (Daliao), Paquibato, Marilog, Buhangin, Sasa, Tomas Claudio, CHO Main and Malasakit Center.
“Dabawenyos who wish to avail of the free medicines only need to bring and present their prescriptions to the different Botika ng Bayan,” Pujanes said.
She noted that they are considering opening and licensing more branches in other health districts with licensed pharmacists to ensure efficient utilization and access to medicines. (PNA)
