Southstar Drug teams up with DSWD
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.’s Southstar Drug has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to let qualified individuals claim approved medicines and health care products without upfront payment.
Manila, Philippines — Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.'s Southstar Drug has joined forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to streamline the process for qualified individuals to receive approved medicines and healthcare products without paying upfront. The collaboration, initially focusing on five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, aims to expand DSWD-supported medicine access to additional communities through Southstar Drug's pharmacy network.
Under the agreement, beneficiaries of the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program can present guarantee letters issued by the department at participating Southstar Drug stores to obtain covered medicines and healthcare products. Southstar Drug will work closely with DSWD to handle reimbursements. This partnership offers beneficiaries more convenient and accessible pharmacy options within their communities.
To avail of the coverage, beneficiaries or their authorized representatives must present their DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription if required, and other necessary supporting documents at the designated Southstar Drug branches. Covered items may include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices, and medical equipment, subject to the approved assistance, relevant regulations, and product availability.
Southstar Drug General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez emphasized that by partnering with DSWD's medical assistance program through its pharmacy network, the drugstore chain is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing access to essential healthcare services for Filipinos. For beneficiaries, this means having more places to utilize their approved assistance and obtain the necessary medicines without having to bear the covered amount themselves.
DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez highlighted that the collaboration with Southstar Drug represents a significant stride in broadening access to essential medicines for Filipinos in crisis situations. The initiative is designed to bolster the AICS program and provide more convenient medical assistance. Southstar Drug became part of Robinsons Retail's portfolio following its acquisition of the brand in 2012.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
