Davao City—A total of 1,024,028 residents of Davao City received free medications last year through the Botika ng Bayan (BNB) program, an initiative of the City Government of Davao. This was disclosed by Gemma Pujanes, Head of the City Health Office’s (CHO) Pharmacy Section, during a briefing with the City Information Office (CIO) on Monday.
The Botika ng Bayan, which aims to provide free medicines to Dabawenyos and even non-residents, now operates 14 registered outlets in various health districts across the city. These outlets are strategically located in the Malasakit Center, Calinan, City Health Office Main, Toril B, Bunawan, Paquibato, Marilog, Buhangin, Toril A, Sasa, Poblacion District Barangay 4-A, Poblacion District Barangay 32-D, Agdao, and El Rio Vista Village in Barangay 19-B.
In 2024, three new BNB outlets—Toril A, Sasa, and Agdao—were added to the list of licensed facilities, further expanding the reach of the program. “We aim to serve as many residents as possible by bringing these essential health services closer to their communities,” Pujanes said.
A Longstanding Commitment to Health
The Botika ng Bayan program was first launched in 2018 under then-Mayor Sara Duterte’s administration, with assistance from the Department of Health (DOH). Since its inception, the program has provided a lifeline to Dabawenyos in need of maintenance medications, antibiotics, cough and cold remedies, painkillers, and fever medications.
According to Pujanes, the majority of medications dispensed through the program are maintenance drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure—conditions that require consistent management. She highlighted the city’s commitment to opening additional licensed BNB outlets this year in six more city health districts, ensuring wider coverage and better accessibility.
Encouraging Residents to Avail of Free Services
Pujanes urged Dabawenyos to make use of the free health services and medications available through the City Health Office and its district and barangay health centers. “You must be aware that our health centers provide free medication,” she said. “Visit the health centers, get checked, and after receiving a prescription, you can avail yourself of medicines at the Botika ng Bayan.”
She also reminded the public that the Botika ng Bayan outlets operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, to serve the community efficiently.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand the BNB program further, the city’s health office is poised to strengthen its mission of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to its residents. As the program grows, it continues to play a vital role in addressing the medical needs of Dabawenyos, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.