Council oks city-owned pharmacy to boost access to healthcare

THE 20th City Council, in its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, enacted an ordinance authorizing the establishment, licensing, and operation of the city-owned stand-alone pharmacy (CDO-LGU Pharmacy) under the City Health Insurance Department (CHID) to implement PhilHealth's Guaranteed Accessible Medication for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) Program.

In his letter to the City Council, City Mayor Rolando A. Uy emphasized that the initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which mandates local governments to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services for their constituents.

To be located at the City Hall Compound, the City Pharmacy will improve access to essential medicines for PhilHealth KONSULTA beneficiaries in the city, streamline the dispensing of prescribed medications, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

The legislation, certified urgent by Mayor Uy, was unanimously approved by the City Council members.(JAOclarit/SP)