DMW sets up mini-pharmacy investment for OFWs

August 27 ------ The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has conceptualized a business plan that will serve as a sustainable livelihood opportunity for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families looking for investment of their money.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said he already signed an agreement with the Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI) for the establishment of mini-botikas or small pharmacies, which will start with pilot outlets in Makati. Cacdac said the mini pharmacies will be operated through OFW cooperatives or franchises to serve as both healthcare access point and sustainable livelihood opportunity for migrant workers and their families. “Primary healthcare and reliable delivery of health services are at the heart of our commitment to OFWs and their dependents. This partnership addresses long-requested services and complements the continuing upgrade of our OFW Hospital,” said Cacdac.

Under the agreement, 70 percent of procurement of medicines and medical supplies will be handled by PPPI while the OFW Hospital will focus on provision of health services. PPPI President and chief executive officer Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin assured that all medicines that they would provide are legitimate and affordable. Cacdac said future projects under the collaboration include the establishment of a medical waste reduction facility at the OFW Hospital, which is projected to cut waste by 80 percent and support environmental sustainability.

He said the agreement for the establishment of mini pharmacies will eventually lead to the Botika ng Bayan initiative under the Botika at Bakuna para sa Mamamayan. Cacdac said the full establishment of BBM Pharmacies is targeted by May 2026 under the Phase 2 of the partnership with the PPPI.

Source: mb.com.ph