Makati Mayor Abby Binay said on Sunday, September 8, that the city government has invested over P8 billion to provide free maintenance medicines, which have already benefited a total of 241,604 patients from January to July this year.
More than that, the program, which began in 2017 (Binay's first term), served 460,155 Makatizens, then increased to 621,391 by 2018, and grew to 716,949 patients in 2019.
In 2020 and 2021, the beneficiaries dropped to 389,206 and 373,296 due to the pandemic.
However, the local government resumed its efforts in 2022, as it managed to serve a growing number of Makatizens, with 408,936 patients having received free maintenance medicines through the program. In 2023, it grew back to 618,966 beneficiaries.
According to Binay, the program is designed to provide Makatizens with assistance for their healthcare without financial burden.
“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.
Makati’s free medicine program covers medicines and pharmaceutical products for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, gout, and coughs and colds.
It also covers medicines for sexually transmitted infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seizure disorders, allergies, ulcers, vertigo, gastrointestinal problems, and other diseases.
Additionally, multivitamins are given for free, as well as 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,” the mayor stated.
“By ensuring that everyone has access to the 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 emphasized.
The free medicines initiative is part of the city'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.