Iloilo City Offers Free Medicines at Health Centers

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The City Health Office is reminding residents that they can access free consultations and medicines at all district health centers in Iloilo City.

Jacqui Blancaflor of the CHO’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Unit said there are 10 district health centers in the city, including one within the City Health Office, each staffed with a designated medical officer and physician.

“Our medicines are free to all who consult at our health centers,” she said, adding that the facilities have been operational since last year.

She explained that the pharmacies inside the centers are semi-complete and can often provide full prescriptions, depending on available supplies.

The centers stock a wide range of medicines, including antibiotics, antimicrobials and treatments for cough, allergies, flu, asthma, hypertension and diabetes.

Emergency drugs for conditions like dengue and leptospirosis are also available.

“After consultation, patients receive their medicine and are guided by the pharmacist on proper usage,” Blancaflor added.

She clarified that only prescriptions issued by Iloilo City health officers are honored at the centers.

Prescriptions from other facilities require assessment by the health center’s physician.

She also encouraged residents to consult pharmacists if they have questions about dosage or potential side effects.

Pharmacy hours follow the health center schedule, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Blancaflor urged the public to use medications responsibly.

“We always emphasize that medicine is not candy,” she said.

“You should not self-medicate.”

She appealed to residents to seek guidance from pharmacists, especially since services and advice are free.

“Don’t guess on your own,” she added.

“It could worsen your condition—not from the illness itself, but from incorrect medication use.”

The city government has issued Executive Order No. 45, which sets unified guidelines for dispensing medicines in all district health centers.