By Analou De Vera The Department of Health (DOH) – Calabarzon recently launched Botikang Bayan (BNB) in Mauban, Quezon that aimed at providing free essential medicines for the indigents. (MANILA BULLETIN) Regional Director Eduardo Janairo said that Calabarzon is the sixth region that began implementing the BNB program in partnership with the local government units. The DOH- Calabarzon said essential medicines will be available particularly for common diseases in the community like cough and cold, influenza, skin infections, asthma, and chronic non-communicable diseases including mental health medicines. The medicines included are paracetamol, antibiotics, topical ointments, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anthelmintic, oral hypoglycemic, vitamins, micronutrients, antacids and other essential drugs for asthma, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, as well as for family planning. Janairo said that they are planning to expand the BNB program in their region and will include traditional complimentary alternative medicines. "Maglalagay din tayong mga traditional complimentary alternative medicines gaya ng mga turmeric, “serpentina,ginkobiloba, at mga halamang gamut na nilagay sa mga tableta at capsule, dito natin lahat ipapasok sa Botikang Bayan (We are going to include traditional complimentary alternative medicines such as turmeric, serpentina, ginkobiloba, and herbal medicines placed in tablets and capsules, we will put it in the Botikang Bayan).” he said.