In a major boost to accessible healthcare assistance, beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can once again use their Guarantee Letters (GLs) at 262 participating Mercury Drug branches nationwide starting Monday, June 22.
The move marks the official resumption of the partnership between the DSWD and Mercury Drug Corporation. It aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, allowing them to secure prescribed medicines and critical medical supplies more efficiently.
DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced the development on Sunday, emphasizing its immediate impact on vulnerable sectors.
"Magandang balita po ito para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng agarang tulong medikal," Asst. Secretary Dumlao said. "Simula Hunyo 22 ay muli na pong tatanggap ang 262 na selected branches ng Mercury Drug ng Guarantee Letter mula sa AICS ng DSWD. Kaya mas mapapadali na po ang pagbili ng mga kinakailangang gamot at iba pang medical supplies ng ating mga benepisyaryo."
(This is good news for our countrymen who need immediate medical help. Starting June 22, 262 selected branches of Mercury Drug will once again accept Guarantee Letters from the DSWD's AICS. This will make it much easier for our beneficiaries to purchase necessary medicines and other medical supplies.)
Expanding the Healthcare Network
The AICS program serves as a social safety net for Filipinos facing unexpected medical expenses, health crises, or emergencies. By utilizing a Guarantee Letter—an official document issued by the DSWD assuring a partner establishment that the government will cover the cost of the beneficiary's needs—patients can claim their medication without shelling out cash upfront.
According to Dumlao, reviving this tie-up with one of the country's largest pharmacy chains is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between government aid and the private sector. The initiative aligns with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to eliminate bureaucratic delays and bring state services closer to the public.
"Patuloy po nating pinalalakas ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga partner establishments upang mas mailapit ang serbisyo ng DSWD sa ating mga kababayan," Dumlao added, noting that such collaborations alleviate the financial and emotional burden on families dealing with severe illnesses.
More Options for Filipinos in Crisis
The reactivation of the Mercury Drug network follows a similar partnership recently forged between the DSWD and Generika Drugstore. Together, these dual pharmacy networks significantly expand the physical locations where sub-urban and rural beneficiaries can present their GLs.
By increasing the number of accredited pharmacy outlets, the DSWD hopes to give clients more geographic options, reduce travel times, and ensure the timely delivery of lifesaving medical assistance across the archipelago.
Beneficiaries looking to utilize the service are advised to coordinate with their local DSWD SWAD (Social Welfare and Development) offices or AICS processing centers to secure their GLs before heading to the designated Mercury Drug branches.
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