CEBU CITY — To bring the COVID-19 vaccine "closer to the people", the first "Resbakuna sa Botika" outside Metro Manila was launched here on Wednesday, February 2.
National and local government officials graced the launching of the vaccination which aims to ramp up the country's inoculation drive.
Testing czar Vince Dizon and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. flew in from Manila to attend the event. Also present were IATF Visayas Deputy Chief Implementer Gen. Mel Feliciano, Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH 7) Assistant Regional Director Guy Perez, City Mayor Michael Rama and Rose Pharmacy Deputy General Manager Michael So.
The launching was held at Rose Pharmacy in Barangay Lahug.
“The goal here is to make vaccines more accessible so we can achieve higher vaccination rate faster,” said Dizon.
Rose Pharmacy was chosen as a pilot drug store where booster shots can be given to individuals aged 18 to 59 years old.
“Ang pakiusap ko nalang is sa mga hindi pa sigurado magpabakuna sana magbago na yung desisyon ninyo (Our plea for those who are hesitant to take the vaccine is that we hope that you will change your mind) and now we are making it even easier for you with the help of Rose Pharmacy, with the help of the other drug stores. So we are bringing the vaccines closer to our people and this will really be a game changer”, sigon ni Secretary Dizon.
Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of DOH-7, said three drug stores have been chosen for the program.
If the program turns out to be successful, it will be expanded to other cities such as Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, Loreche said.
“We will know how many more drug stores after our meeting with the rest of the pharmacies,” said Loreche.
The DOH 7 assured it will provide needed assistance to the participating drug stores.
"THe DOH will provide vaccine supply and logistical support such as screeeners and vaccinators," Perez said.