This is the seventh Botika ng Bayan to open in the city, including the ones located in Marilog, Paquibato, Toril, Calinan, Magallanes, and Southern Philippines Medical Center, in its bid to provide accessible quality health care.
City Information Office (CIO) in its report said Davaoeños will only need to present a prescription from a government-owned clinic or hospital should they avail themselves of free medicines for common illnesses.
In the same event, the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) donated herbal medicines and supplements to the Botika ng Bayan. The PITAHC also gave herbal medicine packages to eight beneficiaries from the Bunawan district.
The event was graced by Department of Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama, City Health Office (CHO) Head Dr. Ashley Lopez, Councilor Trisha Villafuerte, Davao City Malasakit Center Head Josephine Mitaran, and Lingap Program Head John Patrick Celis.
Also attended were Bunawan District Health Office Head Dr. Michelle Schlosser, department heads, PIHTAC representatives, and other public officials.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message read by Villafuete, thanked PITAHC for its donation.
Duterte said the health sector's efforts to “provide affordable and accessible healthcare” will continue as the local government remains committed to improving the welfare of the city’s communities.
“Today, the opening of this Botika ng Bayan will no doubt enhance our capacity to provide efficient healthcare to the people,” the mayor said.
The city, according to Lopez, aims to open at least 18 Botika ng Bayan across the city.
He said CHO has already laid “100 percent of the groundwork” needed to implement Universal Health Care (UHC).
Photos from Davao City Government
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