MANILA, Philippines — At least 262 Mercury Drug branches nationwide will again accept guarantee letters (GLs) issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD) for medicines and medical supplies for the poor.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that beginning on Monday, June 22, beneficiaries of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program may once again use their GLs at the pharmacy store’s participating branches.
Gatchalian said the resumption of the partnership between the DSWD and Mercury Drug aims to expand beneficiaries' access to much-needed medicines and medical assistance.
“This would also ensure faster and more convenient utilization of assistance provided under the AICS program,” he said.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that the resumption of GLs in Mercury Drug outlets forms part of the department's continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of AICS and improve the delivery of medical assistance to Filipinos in need.
She noted that the DSWD continues to strengthen its collaboration with private institutions to make social protection services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable sectors.
"We continue to bolster our engagement with our partner establishments in order to bring DSWD services closer to our countrymen. In this way, we not only expedite their access to assistance, but also alleviate the difficulties they face during times of illness or other crises," Dumlao said.
Dumlao said the DSWD forged a similar arrangement with Generika Drugstore, further expanding the network with partner pharmacies where AICS beneficiaries may use their GLs.
