A total of 1,024,028 Dabawenyos last year received free medications from the City Government of Davao through the Botika ng Bayan (BNB).
Gemma Pujanes, Head of the City Health Office’s Pharmacy Section, told the City Information Office (CIO) on Monday that the city has now 14 registered BNBs located in different health districts.
The BNBs 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, Barangay 19-B.
She said three licensed or registered BNBs– Toril A, Sasa and Agdao — were added in 2024.
The BNB was first established in 2018, during the time of Mayor Sara Duterte, with the assistance from the Department of Health (DOH) to help Dabawenyos and non-residents have access to free medicines.
Maintenance medications, antibiotics, cough and cold remedies, painkillers, and fever medications are among the free medicines available.
Pujanes also said the majority of the medications that Dabawenyos need are maintenance drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure.
She said they intend to open additional BNBs, with licensed chemists, in six city health districts this year.
Pujanes 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 is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. CIO
