Residents in Iloilo City who struggle to buy medicines now have a lifeline as the city government launched the Uswag Pharmacy program, offering free medicines exclusively to patients who have consulted at barangay health centers.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who led the launch on Friday, August 15, said the program underscores her commitment to social services and healthcare access.
“I want to focus on social services for the Ilonggos so they won’t have to worry, especially about health, because there is help for everyone,” she said.
The initiative aims to ensure that residents not only receive free consultations at district health centers but also get the prescribed medicines they need to complete treatment.
Treñas added that the city will review the PhilHealth medicine list and secure adequate supplies for all Uswag Pharmacy branches.
Nine branches are already operating in Sto. Rosario, Duran, City Proper, Jaro I, Jaro II, La Paz, Lapuz, Tanza, Mandurriao, Arevalo, and Molo districts.
The city government also plans to open two new primary care facilities this year to bring consultations and other health services closer to communities.
Treñas stressed that the pharmacies will operate in full compliance with legal requirements, noting that proper permits are vital when running a pharmacy.
“We must comply, especially since running a pharmacy involves legalities,” she said. IMT
