BOTIKA NG BAYAN. Department of Health Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Director Eduardo Janairo (right) shows to Municipal Mayor Jasmin Angelli Maligaya-Bautista (left) the color-coded medicines to differentiate which ones were purchased by the DOH and by the local government, during the opening of the Botika ng Bayan in Magallanes, Cavite on Monday (September 2, 2019). A total of PHP351,752 worth of medicines were turned-over by the regional office. (Photo courtesy of DOH Calabarzon PIO)
MAGALLANES, Cavite -- Free and safe medicines for the marginalized and indigent outpatients, especially those under maintenance medicines, in Cavite province are now within reach as the Department of Health in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) opens the Botika ng Bayan (BNB) here on Monday.
The regional health office, the sixth region to implement and establish the BNB program, targets to cover all 2,600 rural health units -- not just in Cavite but also in the provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
DOH Region IV-A Director Eduardo Janairo said the program, which was re-launched at the second half of this year, will provide access to free essential medicines for common diseases in the community, targeting the indigent and marginalized sectors.
"Ang mga gamot dito ay libre, magdala lang kayo ng kaukulang reseta upang kayo ay mabigyan (The medicines are free, just bring the corresponding prescription)," Janairo said.
The Magallanes BNB is the third in the Calabarzon region, with the two others located in Sta. Maria, Laguna and in Mauban, Quezon.
The Magallanes BNB is packed with some PHP351,752 worth of medicines composed of paracetamol, antibiotics, topical ointments, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anthelmintic, oral hypoglycemic, vitamins, micronutrients, antacids and other essential drugs for asthma, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, and even for family planning.
Janairo assured residents of adequate supply of medicines at the BNB. (PNA)
