Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families can now look forward to more affordable and quality medicines as well as expanded access to healthcare services following a new partnership between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI).
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and PPPI President and CEO Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the initiative “Botika at Bakuna para sa Mamamayan”, formerly known as Botika ng Bayan.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare for OFWs
“This partnership addresses long-requested services and complements the continuing upgrade of our OFW Hospital, which aims to add advanced facilities such as MRI and mammogram units to achieve Level II hospital status,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized. He underscored that primary healthcare and reliable delivery of health services remain central to the DMW’s commitment to OFWs and their dependents.
Mini-Botikas and the BBM Pharmacy Program
One of the key features of the collaboration is the establishment of mini-botikas (small pharmacies). Pilot outlets will first open in Makati, eventually expanding into the BBM Pharmacy Program. These outlets will be operated by OFW cooperatives or franchises, serving a dual purpose as both healthcare access points and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers and their families.
“All medicines are legitimate and, most importantly, affordable. That is our mandate and our commitment together with the DMW,” said PPPI President Lokin.
Under the agreement, 70% of medicine and supply procurement will be handled by PPPI, while the OFW Hospital will focus on health services delivery.
Long-Term Expansion and Sustainability
Phase 2 of the partnership targets the full establishment of BBM Pharmacies by May 2026. Other planned initiatives include the creation of a medical waste reduction facility at the OFW Hospital, projected to cut waste by 80% while supporting environmental sustainability.
According to Dr. Goldwin Z. Posadas, Head of Ancillary Services at the OFW Hospital, the initiative aligns with Bagong Pilipinas, integrating health, livelihood, and logistics support for OFWs.
Market sampling and study activities will begin on September 12, leading up to a Health Forum in October in partnership with The Manila Times.
Expanding Reach to Communities
“This is not just about medicines and medical equipment supply,” Lokin added. “We are committed to bringing pharmacies even to far-flung areas so that OFW families can benefit directly.”
A Step Toward Holistic OFW Welfare
The partnership among the DMW, PPPI, and the OFW Hospital stands as another milestone toward accessible healthcare, sustainable livelihood, and integrated support for OFWs and their families. This initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the holistic welfare of overseas workers, not only abroad but also in their home communities.
-DMW
