SOUTHSTAR Drug, a unit of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to allow qualified beneficiaries to claim approved medicines and healthcare products with no need for upfront payment.
Under the partnership, beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program may present guarantee letters issued by the department at participating Southstar Drug stores to receive covered medicines and healthcare products.
Southstar Drug will first verify the guarantee letters and other required documents before dispensing the approved items, then coordinate directly with the DSWD for reimbursement.
DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez said five branches in Quezon City would initially accept the guarantee letters, with the locations selected for their proximity to the agency’s Commonwealth Satellite Office where the letters are issued.
“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,” Romualdez said.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian thanked Robinsons Retail for the partnership. The participating branches are at Robinsons Supermarket Holy Spirit, Shopwise Commonwealth, Puregold Commonwealth, BF Road and San Simon Street, all in Quezon City.
Beneficiaries or their authorized representatives must present a DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription when applicable, and other required supporting documents.
Coverage may include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices and medical equipment, subject to the approved assistance, applicable regulations and product availability. Applicable senior citizen and persons with disability discounts will also be observed.
Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez said the arrangement would give beneficiaries more locations to redeem approved assistance and obtain medicines without having to pay for the covered amount upfront.
The partnership is initially limited to five branches but could be expanded through Southstar Drug’s nationwide pharmacy network.
Founded in 1937 in Naga City, Southstar Drug operates more than 750 stores nationwide and is part of RRHI’s drugstore segment.
RRHI voluntarily delisted from the Philippine Stock Exchange at the end of August following a tender offer from its largest shareholder, JE Holdings Inc.
