Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2306

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Consistent with Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution which states that, “The
State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them”, this measure seeks to establish a Free Basic Medicines
Program in all barangays of the country.

It ensures that no sick person shall be deprived of his or her right to medical
attention including the provision of essential medicines. This proposed Program aims to
make possible the accessibility of medicines to the marginalized sectors of our society
with the ultimate goal of ensuring their health and well being.

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

ANGELINA wun My, TAN, M.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

2306

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FREE BASIC MEDICINES PROGRAM IN ALL
BARANGAY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Free Basic Medicines Act of
2013.”

SEC 2, Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health and well-being of every Filipino and to adopt a system
implementing the delivery of free basic medicines to indigent residents in all barangays
nationwide.

SEC 3, Establishments of Free Basic Medicines Programs, — There is hereby established
a Free Basic Medicines Programs, hereinafter referred to as the “Program” to be
administered by the Department of Health (DOH) through barangay health centers in all
municipalities, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD).

SEC 4. Eligible Beneficiaries. ~ The program shall be restricted to qualified recipients to
be identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The
implementing rules and regulations shall guarantee that the intended beneficiaries are
indigent residents of barangay with an annual income of not more than One Hundred
Thousand Pesos (P 100,000)

SEC 5. Availment of Free Basic Medicines. ~ The medicines shall be made available in
barangay health centers nationwide. All medicines which will be released to qualified
recipients shall be accounted for through a quarterly report to be submitted to the
Department of Health.

SEC 6. Appropriations,- The amount of One Billion Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00) for the
initial implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the
Department of Health under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such
sum as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the
Annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC 7. Rules and Regulations. ~ The Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall prescribe such rules
and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act within six (6)
months from the effectivity hereof.


SEC 8. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and
other issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved