Southstar Drug on Thursday said it is expanding the access of beneficiaries of the government’s medical assistance program to its selected branches in Quezon City where they can claim approved medicines without upfront payment.
Through the initiative, beneficiaries of Department of Social Welfare’s (DSWD) assistance to individuals in crisis situations program may present guarantee letters issued by the department at participating Southstar Drug stores and immediately receive covered medicines and healthcare products, with Southstar Drug coordinating directly with DSWD for reimbursement.
The drugstore brand of delisted firm Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) said the arrangement gives beneficiaries more convenient and accessible pharmacy options within their communities.
The agreement was signed last October 20 at the Robinsons Retail head office in Quezon City.
‘I would like to thank Robina (Gokongwei-Pe, RRHI chairman) and of course the entire Robinsons Retail group for the partnership. Long time in the making but we’re finally here,’ DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez said the drugstore brand is honored to support DSWD’s medical assistance program through its network of pharmacies, reinforcing the drugstore chain’s commitment to helping improve access to essential healthcare services for Filipinos. ‘For beneficiaries, this means more places to use their approved assistance and get the medicines they need without having to raise the covered amount themselves.’ VG Cabiag
The partnership will initially cover five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, mostly in barangay Holy Spirit and in Commonwealth.
Beneficiaries or their authorized representatives may present their DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription when applicable, and other required supporting documents at these branches. Southstar Drug will verify the documents before dispensing the approved items.
Coverage include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices and medical equipment, subject to the approved assistance, applicable regulations and product availability. Applicable senior citizen and persons with disability discounts will be observed.
Beginning with these five branches, the partnership has the potential to bring DSWD-supported medicine access to more communities through Southstar Drug’s pharmacy network.