Makati City’s free medicine program benefits thousands of residents

Makati Mayor Abby Binay | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Abby Binay

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Makati City residents have benefited from its program, offering free maintenance medicines since 2017, according to its mayor, Abby Binay.

Binay said the city government has invested over P8 billion in the program, which began during her first term.

“[In 2017] the program served 460,155 patients, which increased to 621,391 by 2018, then grew to 716,949 patients in 2019. Despite a slight decrease in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, with 389,206 and 373,296 patients, the numbers rebounded to 408,936 in 2022,” her statement issued on Sunday said.

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“In 2023, the program served 618,966 patients, and from January to July 2024, it has already served 241,604 patients,” it added.

Binay said the program covers medicines and pharmaceutical products for “hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, gout, cough, and colds, sexually transmitted infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seizure disorder, allergy, ulcer, vertigo, gastrointestinal problems, and other diseases.”

Aside from these,  multivitamins were also given, oral and injectable contraceptives, and insulin.

“Our focus has always been accessible healthcare for all. By ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary medications without financial burden, we aim to improve the quality of life and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. This initiative helps promote a healthier, more equitable community,” she said.

Aside from a free medicine program, Makati also offers preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency medical services. These are all covered by the innovative Yellow Card or Makati Health Plus Program.