Western Visayas Medical Center champions quality, affordable generic drugs
The Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) was cited as the 2008 Best Performing Department of health (DOH) Hospital for consistently providing high quality, affordable essential generic drugs ad medicines to their constituents.
The WVMC based in Mandurriao, Iloilo was the only nominee from Visayas, which bested all other DOH hospitals nation wide and three other cluster nominees from Luzon, and Mindanao.
WVMC hospital Chief Dr. Jose Mari Fermin started the operation of the "Model Botika" in the year 2000, one of the three pilot hospitals, the other two being the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and Davao Regional Hospital initially selected to implement "Gamot presyong DOH".
The WVMC "Model Botika" licensed as retailer and wholesaler started with a capital of Php3 million, selling Generic and Branded Generic Drugs and medicines, including hospital items, maintenance and nutritional drugs, existing in the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF).
In the eight years of existence, the "Model Botika" has been serving as the major source of effective, cheap and affordable generic drugs and medicine by both in and out patients, local government hospitals, te inter-local health zone pharmacies, Botika sa Barangay Outlets and the general public.
The Model Botika is manned by 20 personnel headed by Chief Phamacists Ms. Lanie Capaque.
A satellite or "drive thru" Botika was established in the entrance of the hospital compound to accommodate the growing number of customers.
Dr. Fermin said this is the first of its kind in the region and may be in the country.
Fermin also considers the WVMC as catalyst in implementing the Generics Law, pushed by its vision to make quality drugs accessible and affordable to all patients and the general public'
The DOH said that recent Social Weather Station surveys showed that five to six out of ten Filipinos are looking for generic medicines when they buy.
The WVMC was presented the award during the 1st Generics summit held in Manila last September 26, which coincided with the 2oth year of the signing of the Generics Law. (DOH/PIA 6)