Medical officer confirms compliance to free meds for indigents

BAGUIO CITY – The City Ordinance No. 10, series of 2023 crafted and approved as to the provision of free maintenance medicines to indigent residents of Baguio has been complied with, according to Health Services Office head Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes.

The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Konsulta package provision is already being addressed in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Universal Health Care Act, Brillantes said.

This is the content of the status report of the legislative monitoring and evaluation conducted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

In a letter, Dr. Brillantes, stated the following information: Medicines for Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus (HPNDM) are procured and funded by the City Health Services Office budget; Routine procurement and distribution of maintenance medicines for HPNDM clients in various barangays is facilitated as to Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act and Ordinance 115, series of 2021 or the Baguio City Universal Health Care ordinance; An HPNDM club has been established in every health center to encourage enrollment of clients, monitoring and sustained access to medications; Enrollment in the Philhealth Konsulta package through preferred healthcare providers is encouraged, as coverage for essential medication is covered, including Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus; and The clients are issued Konsulta Cards to ensure registration and easier access to health centers’ primary care services.

City Social Welfare and Development Office head Liza Bulayungan and Assistant head Cynthia Langagan have also been informed of the legislative monitoring and evaluation report. – jgfianza