(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City’s Libre Medisina (Free Medicine) program was honored by the Department of Health (DOH) during the Eastern Visayas Health Summit and Awards 2024 on Tuesday, Dec.10, for its impact on healthcare accessibility.
Launched in 2021 through Executive Ordinance No. 153, Libre Medisina provides essential medicines to eligible residents, easing the financial burden of medical expenses for over 35,000 individuals to date.
Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda emphasized that the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring healthcare access for all, regardless of social status or political affiliation.
To address accessibility issues for residents outside the city proper, the local government opened satellite pharmacies in five barangays: Sta. Fe, San Jose, Lalawigan, Benowangan, and Maypangdan, beginning in 2022.
Beneficiaries, like senior couple Oliver and Dorenda Cervantes, expressed gratitude for the program, which also provides free vitamins alongside maintenance and prescription medicines.
The health summit, held December 10-11, recognized the efforts of local government units, government hospitals, and health stakeholders across Eastern Visayas for their contributions to improving the region’s healthcare system.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
