What Readers Should Know
Southstar Drug has partnered with DSWD to accept AICS guarantee letters at five participating branches in Quezon City. Qualified beneficiaries can obtain covered medicines and health care products without paying the approved amount upfront, while the pharmacy coordinates reimbursement with DSWD. Beneficiaries or authorized representatives must present the guarantee letter, a prescription when applicable, and…
Key Takeaways
- Southstar Drug will accept DSWD-issued AICS guarantee letters at participating stores.
- The initial rollout covers five branches in Quezon City.
- Beneficiaries do not need to advance the amount covered by their approved assistance.
- Required documents include the guarantee letter and a prescription when applicable.
- Eligible products remain subject to assistance approval, regulations, and availability.
Qualified beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will have another option for obtaining approved medicines through a new partnership with Southstar Drug.
The arrangement will initially cover five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, allowing beneficiaries to use DSWD-issued guarantee letters for covered medicines and health care products without paying the approved amount upfront.
Southstar Drug, part of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., will coordinate directly with DSWD for reimbursement.
How beneficiaries can access the assistance
Beneficiaries or their authorized representatives may present their DSWD-issued guarantee letter at a participating branch, together with a valid prescription when applicable and other required supporting documents.
Coverage may include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices, and medical equipment. What beneficiaries can receive will depend on their approved assistance, applicable regulations, and product availability.
The arrangement applies to participating stores and approved assistance. It does not mean that all products or purchases at every Southstar Drug branch are covered.
More community pharmacy options
Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez said the partnership supports the company’s commitment to making essential health care services more accessible through its pharmacy network.
“For beneficiaries, this means more places to use their approved assistance and get the medicines they need without having to raise the covered amount themselves,” Sanchez said.
DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez described the partnership as a step toward expanding access to essential medicines for Filipinos experiencing crisis situations.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the AICS program by giving beneficiaries more convenient pharmacy options within their communities.
While the initial rollout is limited to five Quezon City branches, the partnership could provide a basis for broader access through Southstar Drug’s network. Additional participating locations have not been specified in the announcement.
Beneficiaries should confirm the covered branch and documentary requirements with DSWD before visiting a store.
Southstar Drug became part of Robinsons Retail’s portfolio following its acquisition in 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from the partnership?
Qualified AICS beneficiaries with DSWD-issued guarantee letters covering eligible medicines or health care products.
Is the service available at every Southstar Drug branch?
No. The initial rollout covers five participating branches in Quezon City.
What documents should beneficiaries bring?
A DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription when applicable, and other required supporting documents.
Can an authorized representative claim the products?
Yes, subject to the required documentation and applicable procedures.
What products may be covered?
Eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices, and medical equipment, depending on approved assistance, regulations, and availability.
Gabriel
Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.
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