P8 BILLION FREE MEDICINE PROGRAM GIVEN TO MAKATI CITY RESIDENTS

The Makati City government has invested P8 million in the program offering free maintenance medicines (Photo courtesy of Rappler)

The local government of Makati announced that the city has invested over P8 Billion providing free maintenance medicines program to thousands of Makati City residents that has started since 2017. 

According to Makati Mayor Abby Binay, the program has benefited 241,604 “Makatizens” have received free maintenance medicines from January to July. And since the program started, it has served 460,155 patients increasing to 621,391 in 2018 and 716,949 in 2019.

In 2020, there was a slight decreased serving 389,206 and 373,296 patients in 2021 due to the pandemic. Then the numbers of patients was regained to 408,936 in 2022 and 618,966 in 2023. 

“With this program, we want to ease the worries of patients and their families over the cost of maintenance medicines,” Mayor Binay said.

Binay also stated that the program covers medicines and pharmaceutical products for “hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, gout, cough, and colds, sexually transmitted infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seizure disorder, allergy, ulcer, vertigo, gastrointestinal problems, and other diseases.”

Aside from the said medicines, multivitamins, oral and injectable contraceptives, and insulin were also given. 

According to the local government, all residents who have a Yellow Card or Makati Health Plus Program could avail of the free medicine program, which is part of Makati’s comprehensive health strategy that includes preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency medical services. 

“The city’s substantial investment in the free medicine program demonstrates our commitment to the health and well-being of Makatizens. Our focus has always been accessible healthcare for all,” Binay said.

“By ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary medications without financial burden, we aim to improve the quality of life and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. This initiative helps promote a healthier, more equitable community,” she added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer 

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