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RIDEMed delivers free essential medicines to seniors in Muntinlupa
RIDEMed delivers free essential medicines to seniors in Muntinlupa
The Muntinlupa City government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program is benefitting senior citizens who are bedridden and those who are at least 80 years old.
Launched last October, RIDEMed is the home delivery component of the city government’s free medicines initiative for senior citizens.
The program ensures that eligible seniors receive their maintenance medicines regularly, conveniently, and with basic health monitoring at home.
One of the beneficiaries of RIDEMEd is Gloria Ayesa, 64, a resident of Alabang, who is a diabetes patient and whose legs were amputated.
"Dati aligaga ako kung saan kukuha ng pambili, ngayon regular na ako nakakainom ng gamot. Malaking bagay yung dinadalhan ako ng gamot dito sa bahay. Mayroon akong diabetes, una, pinutol yung kanan kong binti. Kalaunan, yung kaliwa naman. Wala na akong magagawa, nabubulok na, kaysa naman mamatay ako (I used to be worried about where to buy medicine, now I take medicine regularly. It's a big deal that medicine is brought to my house. I have diabetes, first, my right leg was amputated. Later, the left one. I can't do anything, it's rotting, rather than die),” she told the city government.
She added, “Malaking tulong sa akin yun na hindi na ako naghahanap ng pambili, mayroon nang naghahatid. Sa mga katulad kong hindi na nakakalabas ng bahay, wala na kayong iisipin. May mga gamot na kayo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo Mayor Biazon, at sa OSCA, kasi kung hindi naman sa inyo wala akong gamot. Maraming marami pong salamat (It's a big help to me that I don't have to look for medicine anymore, someone delivers it. For those like me who can't leave the house, you don't have to think about it anymore. You already have medicine. I'm very grateful to you, Mayor Biazon, and to OSCA [Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs], because if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have medicine. Thank you very much).”
The free medicines being delivered to senior citizens in Muntinlupa under RIDEMed are losartan and amlodipine for hypertension, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for high cholesterol, and Vitamin B Complex.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said RIDEMEd is an example that healthcare in Muntinlupa should be accessible.
“RIDEMed is proof that healthcare services should be within easy reach, especially for our senior citizens. Our goal is to make their access to care easier, more organized, and continuously supported,” he told Manila Bulletin, adding that he wants to expand RIDEMed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
As of January this year, a total of 1,931 senior citizens in Muntinlupa are registered and currently undergoing assessment. The oldest beneficiary is a 111-year-old grandmother from Ayala Alabang. .
Mahalia Divinasflores, officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa OSCA, said, “RIDEMed is important because it removes one of the biggest barriers senior citizens face in managing their health: access.”
“This program ensures continuity of care, prevents complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and gives peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their families,” she said.
Divinasflores said the response from beneficiaries is very positive.
“The response from our senior citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express deep gratitude because RIDEMed eases the physical and financial burden of regularly obtaining medicines. Seniors often share that the program makes them feel remembered and cared for, especially those who rarely leave their homes,” she said.
She added, “Families also appreciate the convenience and reassurance that their loved ones receive consistent medical support. Several beneficiaries have told us that RIDEMed gives them a sense of security and hope, knowing that the City Government is actively looking after their health and well-being.”
This year, she said, the city government is aiming to add about 2,500 new senior beneficiaries under RIDEMed.
RIDEMed is part of the broader “Love Ko si Lolo, Love Ko si Lola” program of the city government, expanding access to essential medicines and strengthening continuous care for senior citizens with chronic conditions.
At least once a month, Biazon joins RIDEMed deliveries and gives the free medicines to the beneficiaries.
The delivery is conducted by RIDEMed riders and Barangay Health Workers. The home delivery also includes simple health checks such as blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitoring.
To register for the program, guardians or relatives may inform their nearest health center or the Muntinlupa.
Senior citizens not covered by RIDEMed may avail of free maintenance medicines at their health centers.
