Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGTHEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1384
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS _

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The World Health Organization has observed that the major causes of death
in low income countries can be treated effectively with simple essential medicines.
However, these medicines are often unavailable, non-accessible, or unaffordable.

A 2011 study identified insufficient access to low cost, safe, and quality
ntial medicines as one of the issues confronting the Philippine health system. It
observed that these essential medicines are available only 33% of the time. It also
claimed that medicines covered by PhilHealth are often not available in authorized
outlets, Thus, many low-income patients are either left untreated or faced with high,
out-of-pocket expenses for medicines.

This bill seeks to improve the Filipinos’ access to medicines by establishing a
drugstore in every barangay in the country, to be known as the Botika sa Barangay.
The proposed Botika sa Barangay shall offer the essential medicines listed by the
Philippine National Drug Formulary. In addition, the Department of Health is tasked
to prioritize the establishment of Botika sa Barangay in economically-depressed
barangays.

Through this initiative, we are giving the less fortunate better chances of
survival from curable ailments, thereby contributing to the improvement of their
holistic well-being

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALFRED VARGAS



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGTHEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1394
HOUSE BILLNO, — "7

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BARANGAY DRUGSTORES,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "BOTIKA SA BARANGAY"

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Botika sa Barangay
Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Towards this
end, the State shall provide adequate social services and endeavor to make essential
goods, health and other social services available to every barangay at affordable

cost.

SEC. 3. Botika sa Barangay. - The Department of Health shall, within sixty
(60) days after the approval of this Act, undertake a three-year program for the
establishment of barangay drugstores or Botika sa Barangay (BSB) in every
barangay, giving priority to barangays on the basis of population, poverty incidence,
extent of medical health care and/or services, geographical conditions, financial and
other socio-economic factors and such other considerations as may be deemed
necessary in undertaking the program within the context of national plans and

policies on social services, health and medical care.


SEC. 4, Establishment Priority. - The Department of Health (DOH) shall, in
the establishment of the BSB, undertake prior consultations with the Municipal
Development Council concerned; Provided, That in the establishment of the BSB,
highest priority shall be given to those economically depressed barangays. Existing

BSBs shall be maintained and shall be covered by relevant provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Drugs Available. - The BSB shall make available, only those drugs
included in the “core list" of the national drug formulary, and the names thereof

listed in their respective generic and trade names made available to the public

SEC, 6, Botika sa Barangay Aide. - Sale of medicines at the BSB shall be
facilitated by an aide, known as the Botika sa Barangay Aide, who shall be chosen by
and trained under the direction of the Municipality or City Health Office, in close

coordination with the Punong Barangay and head of the Barangay Health Center.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Guidelines. - The Secretary of Health shall

issue the nec

ry rules and guidelines as may be needed to fully implement the
provisions of this Act. In addition, the DOH shall also embark on a sustained
promotional campaign to increase the community's awareness of the BSB through
its personnel, non-governmental organizations, barangay official and the print and

broadcast media.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees and other
executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent

with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 9. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect upon fifteen (15) days after
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general

circulation

Approved,