DMW to pilot test BBM pharmacy in Makati

MANILA, Philippines —  Affordable but quality medicines are now more accessible for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with the establishment of additional Botika at Bakuna sa Mamamayan or BBM pharmacies.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed an agreement with the Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. providing for the establishment of small pharmacies, which will start with pilot outlets in Makati and eventually expand into the BBM pharmacy program.

The DMW said small pharmacies would operate through OFW cooperatives or franchises to serve as both a health care access point and sustainable livelihood opportunity for migrant workers and their families.

These pharmacies will be established in remote areas so that OFW families can benefit directly, according to the DMW.         – Mayen Jaymalin

Under the agreement, 70 percent of the procurement of medicines and medical supplies will be handled by PPPI.

The full establishment of BBM pharmacies is targeted by May next year under phase 2 of the partnership.

The PPPI will offer a franchise for the BBM pharmacy that will be placed in the OFW Hospital. The DMW will award the operation of franchise possibly to a cooperative aligned with the DMW constituency.

The BBM pharmacies may also sell medicines to the public at lower prices.

The DMW said the partnership also involves market sampling beginning Sept. 12.