Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _7540

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The government has made great leaps in ensuring that all Filipinos get the health
care they deserve. Universal health care is a top priority for the Department of Health
(DOH). Programs by the DOH are aimed at addressing the inequity in the health
system through expansion in delivery of the National Health Insurance Program and
improved access to quality health care facilities. The passage of Republic Act No.
9502, also known as the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act
of 2008”, guaranteed better access to essential medicines. However, providing a
completely accessible health care program remains to be a challenge for the State.

The thrust and push of the DOH in helping Filipinos receive affordable and quality
health services is the same wisdom that this bill hopes to espouse. The bill proposes
to establish a drugstore in every barangay in the country, to be known as the Botika
sa Barangay, to expand accessibility to essential medicines. The DOH is tasked to
prioritize economically-depressed barangays in establishing these Botikas.

Strong support from legislation has constantly been expressed on the matter of
health care for all Filipinos—from those that have been enacted to those currently
proposed. It is the intention of this legislation to add to the current measures to
improve medicine access in the country.

The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

’ F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7940

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Botika sa Barangay Act’.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right
of 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.

SECTION 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 of 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.


SECTION 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.

SECTION 5. Drugs Available. — The BSB shall make available, only those drugs
included in the “core list” of the national drug formulary, and the names there listed in
their respective generic and trade names made available to the public.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Guidelines. - The Secretary of Health shall
issue the necessary 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.

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

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in

the Philippines.

Approved,