The Makati City government has disbursed over P8 billion to provide free maintenance medicines to thousands of local residents referred to as Makatizens.
The program began in 2017 during Mayor Abigail Binay’s first year in office with 460,155 patients served, ballooning to 621,391 by 2018, then to 716,949 in 2019.
Despite a slight decrease in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, with 389,206 and 373,296 patients served, respectively, the numbers rebounded to 408,936 in 2022.
In 2023, the number rose further to 618,966 patients, and from January to July 2024, the program has already reached 241,604 patients.
“With this program, we want to ease the worries of patients and their families over the cost of maintenance medicines,” Binay said.
“The city’s substantial investment in the free medicine program demonstrates our commitment to the health and well-being of Makatizens,” she added.
The program covered free 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.
Multivitamins are also being given away free of charge, along with oral and injectable contraceptives and insulin.
“Our focus has always been accessible healthcare for all. We believe that giving free medicine, especially maintenance medicine, to Makatizens will help them maintain their health and well-being,” Binay pointed out.
“By ensuring that everyone has access to 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.
The free medicine program is part of Makati’s comprehensive health strategy, which includes preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency medical services, all covered by the innovative Yellow Card or Makati Health Plus Program.
