Insider Spotlight
Southstar Drug, part of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., has partnered with DSWD to allow beneficiaries of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to obtain approved medicines and healthcare products without upfront payment.
Under the arrangement, beneficiaries present DSWD-issued guarantee letters at participating pharmacies, with Southstar Drug coordinating directly with the agency for reimbursement.
For financially vulnerable patients
The initiative addresses a common challenge among financially vulnerable patients: obtaining prescribed medicines without immediately shouldering their cost.
The agreement, signed Oct. 20 at Robinsons Retail’s Quezon City headquarters, initially covers five Southstar Drug branches near DSWD’s Commonwealth Satellite Office.
“We are now in the initial implementation of our partnership with Southstar Drug. As of today, five strategic branches across the National Capital Region (NCR) are now accepting guarantee letters. Conveniently located near our Commonwealth Satellite Office—where these letters are issued—these branches ensure that our beneficiaries can seamlessly receive their required medications without delay,” DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez said in a press statement.
Five participating locations
The five participating locations are Robinsons Supermarket Holy Spirit, Shopwise Commonwealth, Puregold Commonwealth, BF Road and San Simon Street, all in Quezon City.
Southstar Drug operates more than 750 stores nationwide, providing potential infrastructure for broader implementation.
How it works
Beneficiaries or authorized representatives must submit their guarantee letters, valid prescriptions when applicable, and other supporting documents.
Covered assistance may include medicines, medical supplies, devices and equipment, subject to approval, regulations and availability.
Applicable senior citizen and persons with disability discounts remain in effect. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
