Botika Sa Barangay (BnB):

Picture above shows the program launching of the Botika Sa Barangay Program

held on October 17, 2006 with the theme "Gamot Na Mabisa Abot Kaya".

A project of Southwestern Aklan Interlocal Health Zone member municipalities

of Numancia, Makato, Malinao, Lezo and Madalag.

(An Innovation for the Promotion of Health Care Equity)

By Hazel Dalida

In a third world country like the Philippines, the availment of quality health services during times of infirmity is considered as a burden for the poor sector of society. This is usually attributed to the increasing cost of health commodities and services as a result of the economic struggle confronting the country today.
In the interest of finding the perfect remedy for the situation, the government has conceived pro-poor health related laws such as the generic Act of 1998 wherein the operationalization of Botika sa Barangay is one of its programs.
It is hoped that through this project, the marginalized and undeserved populace in far-flung areas of the country can avail of equally effective, safe and affordable essential drugs.
With sincere commitment to uphold public service at its best, representatives from member municipalities of the Southwestern Aklan Interlocal Health Zone (Makato, Numancia, Malinao, Lezo and Madalag) decided to adopt the Botika sa Barangay Program. The location for recipient barangays were selected by the local officials and health workers of each respective municipality who can best define and identify their constituents’ need to maximize program reach.
After coordinating with the Center for Health Development (CHD) for the details and necessary requirements for the project, the Botika sa Barangay Program was launched. On October 17, 2006, the BnB project of the Southwestern Aklan Interlocal Health Zone was officially turned over to 58 barangays within the said health zone through the release of several boxes of assorted medicines to the Local Chief Executives and Rural Health Physicians of the 5 municipalities who were delegated to distribute the goods to Botika sa Barangay operators.
Today, as residents living in the aforesaid cluster of municipalities enjoy the benefits of the program through a continuous supply of affordable and accessible medicines, it is hoped that the vision of creating an environment that will enhance the development of a healthy and productive population will finally be achieved./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com