“Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” declared Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he proposed the establishment of a National Medicine Bank under House Bill No. 11082. The initiative seeks to collect donated pharmaceuticals and ensure their distribution to areas where they are most needed.
Lee’s proposal addresses long-standing issues in public healthcare, including the frequent lack of medicine in government hospitals despite billions in allocated funds. “Many Filipinos are forced to endure illnesses or ration their medication because they simply cannot afford the costs or access the medicine they need,” Lee said.
The Medicine Bank would work under the Department of Health (DOH), ensuring proper inventory and responsible management of donations. Lee hopes this will alleviate the financial and logistical burden on vulnerable sectors, particularly those in remote areas.
As a staunch advocate for universal healthcare, Lee sees this measure as part of a broader effort to improve health services for Filipinos. “This is about fulfilling the government’s obligation to its people—no Filipino should suffer due to lack of access to life-saving medicines,” he said.
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