For years the local government has been at the heart of delivering healthcare services to individuals and communities. This is a critical role recognized and codified under the Local Government Code of 1991, which leverages on Local Government Units (LGUs) to make healthcare accessible to Filipinos. Across the nation, LGUs have taken the initiative to establish their own health programs, demonstrating their commitment to providing sustainable healthcare solutions to Filipinos.
This mandate perfectly aligns with Generika Drugstore’s mission of providing individuals and communities access to affordable and quality healthcare. It is this shared goal that drove Generika Drugstore, a member of the Ayala Healthcare (AC Health) Group, to join forces with LGUs through Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan. This flagship program aims to support various health programs of LGUs across the country and be the community’s trusted partner in healthcare. With this collaboration, Generika Drugstore strives to help foster a healthier future for communities by bringing basic health services and health education campaigns to the barangay level.
For its first run held last June 30, Generika Drugstore partnered with the Municipality of Pateros for its medical mission in Brgy. Sta. Ana. Its residents received free medical consultations with doctors from the Pateros Municipal Health Office (MHO) and the Healthway Medical Network of the AC Health Group.
With the support of the Pateros Office of the Administrator, attendees received their prescribed medications at no cost. Participants also enjoyed free registration to the GeneriKard Loyalty Program, furthering access to Generika Drugstore’s affordable medicines and other healthcare services, to help enable full compliance to their prescriptions and other healthcare requirements in the long term.
As part of its efforts to promote consumer education, a nutrition talk was conducted by the barangay’s nutritionist, Ms. Meizyl Sincuya, covering essential topics including the Department of Health’s (DOH) “Pinggang Pinoy” and the significance of maintaining a proper and healthy diet. The talk shed light on the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for hypertension, which remains a prevalent and critical health concern in the country. Generika Drugstore’s Corporate Pharmacy Head, Ms. Janice Blazo, also delivered an educational talk on generic medicines, discussing their safety and effectiveness as an affordable alternative to their branded counterparts.
Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan received an overwhelming response from Brgy. Sta. Ana, with its residents expressing the significance of the program to them.
“Salamat sa Generika Drugstore at sa Pateros sa pagdala ng Ginhawang Barangayan dito sa Brgy. Sta. Ana. Malaking tulong ang libreng konsulta at mga gamot sa amin. Sana marami pang matulungan ang Generika Drugstore!,” Ruby Dizon expressed.
Melba Habitan, a 69-year-old resident from Brgy. Sta. Ana shared her joy: “Dahil sa aking edad, medyo nahihirapan na akong bumiyahe nang malayo kahit pa pupunta lang para magpa-check up sa bayan. Kaya naman noong inanunsyo ang Ginhawang Barangayan, inabangan ko talaga ito. Ngayong araw, nakakuha na ako ng libreng konsulta, may libreng gamot pa ako.”
Generika Drugstore’s corporate partner, Roche Philippines Inc. provided free blood sugar testing to Ginhawang Barangayan participants.
Pateros Municipal Administrator, Mr. Gerald German, was elated that his constituents took part in Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan and lauded Generika Drugstore’s project: “Many of our people needed to be part of an activity that showed care through free doctors’ consultations and medicines which they usually forego due to other expenses and circumstances. We are glad that there are companies like Generika Drugstore who share the same mission as the Pateros LGU, demonstrating a genuine commitment to empowering communities by making healthcare products and services accessible to the underserved population.”
Municipal Administrator Gerald German expresses his gratitude to Generika Drugstore for supporting and adding value to the health program of Pateros.
Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, noted that the success of the event highlights the opportunity to partner with LGUs in addressing healthcare gaps. “We are heartened by the positive response from the residents of Brgy. Sta. Ana of Pateros to the first run of Generika’s Ginhawang Barangayan. This affirms our conviction on the importance of this program. We will continue to partner with the LGUs in their efforts to build healthier communities and to deliver on our commitment to bring ginhawa to more Filipinos.”
Watch out for more updates to know if a Ginhawang Barangayan event is coming to your community.
