A total of 1,024,028 Dabawenyos benefited from free medications provided by the City Government of Davao through its Botika ng Bayan (BNB) program last year.
Gemma Pujanes, head of the City Health Office’s (CHO) Pharmacy Section, shared on Monday that the city currently operates 14 registered BNBs across different health districts. These are located in the Malasakit Center, Calinan, City Health Office Main, Toril B, Bunawan, Paquibato, Marilog, Buhangin, Toril A, Sasa, Poblacion District Barangay 4-A, Poblacion District Barangay 32-D, Agdao, and El Rio Vista Village in Barangay 19-B.
Three new BNBs—Toril A, Sasa, and Agdao—were officially added to the roster in 2024, bringing greater access to free medicines for residents.
The BNB initiative was launched in 2018 during Mayor Sara Duterte’s administration with support from the Department of Health (DOH). It aims to ensure Dabawenyos and even non-residents can access essential medications, including maintenance drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure, antibiotics, painkillers, and remedies for cough, colds, and fever.
Pujanes emphasized the demand for maintenance medications, particularly for managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. To meet the growing needs of the population, plans are underway to establish six additional BNBs in city health districts this year.
She also urged Dabawenyos to avail themselves of the free health services and medications offered by the CHO through their district and barangay health centers as well as their main office.
“You have to be aware nga aduna ta’y libre’ng tambal sa atoang mga health center. What you have to do is you have to go to the health centers, magpa-check-up and then kung ma-check-up namo isyuhan mo og reseta. Unya pwede na mo mag-avail og medicine sa Botika ng Bayan (You must be aware that our health centers provide free medication. You must visit the health centers, get checked, and get a prescription after the check-up. After that, you can get medication at the Botika ng Bayan),” she said.
The Botika ng Bayan operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
Image from Davao Updates with reports from City Government of Davao
