Cebu City Seeks Share Of Free Medicines For Diabetes, Hypertension From DOH 7

The Cebu City Health Department (CHD) has asked the Department of Heath (DOH) 7 to give its share of the supply of free medicines for persons with diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Daisy Villa, chief of the CHD, said they asked DOH 7 for the medicines after the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) received several requests from health centers in barangays whose residents wanted to avail themselves of the free medicines.

ABC president Philip Zafra said some of the residents failed to get their share of free medicines.

Zafra said the free medicines for diabetes and hypertension program was first implemented earlier this year, but Cebu City has still not received any of the medicines.

Villa said those who came to their office to ask for the free medicines were referred to the DOH 7 since they don’t have any supply.

Zafra said the public learned about the new program after it was reported on television and radio.

DOH Secretary Janette Garin earlier announced that starting January, drugs such as Metformin and Losartan, Amlodipine and Metoprolol, would be provided to those suffering from diabetes and hypertension, respectively, to help ease their worries on maintenance medication.

The distribution will be made on a monthly basis, but recipients must be a member of diabetes and hypertension clubs of DOH.

Patients who want to become a member must go to the nearest health center to undergo assessment and screening. (PNA) LAP/EB/SSC