"Botika sa Barangay," birthing centers are priorities in San Remigio

CEBU, Philippines - The establishment of the so-called “Botika sa Barangay” will remain a priority program of San Remigio, said Mayor Mariano Martinez.

Martinez said 27 barangays in the town already have their own “Botika sa Barangay” which enables residents therein to have access to cheap medicine.

Martinez said the “Botika sa Barangay” is beneficial considering that many of the residents in the town who have visited him at the Municipal Hall since he assumed office in 2001 asked for money to buy medicine.

This situation reportedly prompted him to coordinate with the Department of Health for the establishment of the “Botika sa Barangay,” considering that medicines thereat are being sold at a lower prize compared to those being sold at private pharmacies.

Martinez said Vice Mayor Niño Bascon is supporting the program and assured to continue the same.

“Kita, nagtan-aw gayud nga masiguro ang serbisyo sa panglawas sa katawhan hinungdan nga ipadayon gayud nato kini nga programa,” Bascon said.

Aside from the “Botika sa Barangay,” Martinez said the establishment of birthing centers in every barangay is also a priority project.

He said the birthing center already established in San Remigio is accreditation from PhilHealth, which provides support in terms of medicines and equipment. The municipal government has also allocated funds to assist those residents of San Remigio that are admitted in government–run hospitals in Bogo City or Cebu City.

The municipal government has also opened a credit line with private pharmacies in Bogo City and Cebu City from which residents of San Remigio can get medicines with clearance from the mayor. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (THE FREEMAN)