PPPI, PhilHealth partner to improve access to free medicines

The Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are joining forces to ensure the availability of free medicines under the Konsulta and GAMOT programs.

The collaboration was formalized during a meeting on August 14, 2024, at the PhilHealth head office, with PPPI President and CEO Undersecretary Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin and PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. at the helm.

The Konsulta program, formally known as Konsultasyong Sulit Tama, is a comprehensive outpatient primary care package that includes free annual check-ups, health risk screenings, selected diagnostic tests, and essential medicines.

Meanwhile, the GAMOT program—Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment—covers a select range of essential medicines for outpatient care.

A central element of the collaboration will be the enhancement of the Botika Ng Bayan, a network of pharmacies that will act as distribution points for medicines provided under these programs.

The initiative aims to ensure that patients diagnosed through the Konsulta program have easy access to the medicines necessary for their treatment and management.

“This partnership is a significant step towards realizing our mission of providing all Filipinos with access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines,” said Lokin.

“By working closely with PhilHealth, we can streamline the availability of essential medicines and support the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Ledesma echoed this sentiment, stating, “Ensuring that our members have access to the medications they need is a critical component of our health care services. This collaboration with PPPI is vital to the success of our Konsulta and GAMOT programs.”

As an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PPPI is a subsidiary of the Philippine International Trading Corporation and an affiliate of the National Development Company.

Its primary mandate is to procure and distribute medicines and medical supplies to government and private hospitals and other health facilities across the country.