Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. _616

Introduced by Congressman 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, the
medicines are often not available, not accessible or not affordable.

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

This bill seeks to improve the Filipinos’ access to medicines by establishing a free
medicine assistance program for the poor.

Through this, we are giving the less-fortunate better chances of survival from
curable ailments, and thereby improving the overall health outcomes in the country.

Inline of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

+ Faraon, Anthony R.G. (undated). “Improving Access to Medicines Project in the Philippines ~ the Palawan Pilot: A
Public-Private Partnership in Addressing Accessibility, Availability and Affordability.”


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 616

Introduced by Congressman ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FREE MEDICINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE POOR AND
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Free Medicine for the Poor
Act.”

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 of implementing the delivery of free basic medicines to those who have less in life
in all health facilities in the country, giving priority to the underprivileged, ailing,
malnourished, elderly, women, children, disabled, and the poorest of the poor.

SEC 3. Objectives. - This Act pursues the following objectives:

a) To promote optimal health and well-being of every Filipino by improved access
to medicines; and

b) To address the health needs of the marginalized sectors such as the poor,
malnourished, elderly, women, children, and the disabled through the
establishment of a Free Basic Medicine Assistance Program in all government
health facilities nationwide.

SEC 4, Establishment of Free Medicine Assistance Program. - There shall be
established a Free Medicine Assistance Program, hereinafter referred to as the “Libreng
Gamot Program,” to be administered by the Department of Health (DOH) through
government district hospitals, local health units and barangay health centers in all cities
and municipalities, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD).


SEC. 5. Eligible Beneficiaries. - The Libreng Gamot Program shall be restricted to
qualified poor recipients as certified by the barangay and the DSWD officials.

SEC. 6. Availment of Free Medicines. - Free medicines shall be made available in
all government district hospitals, local health units and barangay health centers, These
health facilities shall account for all the medicines released to qualified beneficiaries
through the submission of quarterly reports to the DOH.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. ~ The amount needed for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the DOH. Thereafter, such sums as may
be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in coordination with the
DSWD and in consultation with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act
within six (6) months for the effectivity hereof.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. 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. 11, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,