Botika on Wheels pushed

Alawmaker has urged the Department of Health (DoH) and local government units (LGUs) to set up clinics and Botika (pharmacy) on Wheels to provide essential medicines and medical services to poor communities in villages amid the government-imposed enhanced community quarantine to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman made the call amid complaints from LGUs of depleting medical supplies.

The veteran lawmaker said mobile pharmacies and clinics could render door-to-door medical assistance to the poor that would prevent people from going out of their homes to seek medication and avoid the risk of spreading infection.

“The needy do not have to travel to Malasakit Centers, health centers and rural health units as medicines and health services will be delivered to their doorsteps,” he said.

Lagman said drugs and medicines for free distribution must include multivitamins and ascorbic acid, pain and fever medications, cold and cough remedies, anti- fungal and anti- bacterial ointments, first- aid supplies and contraceptives, among others.

He also proposed other services such as pre-natal and post-natal care, blood pressure and blood sugar level readings, consultations, immunization of infants and children, and simple laboratory tests.

Lagman said the medical supplies might be provided by the Department of Health ( DoH).

“All necessary amounts disbursed by the DoH from its 2020 budget to activate clinics and botika on wheels will be replenished in a supplemental budget to be enacted by the Congress,” he added.