Starting today, June 22, beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program may once again use their guarantee letters (GLs) at 262 participating Mercury Drug branches across the country, including in Negros Island Region.
This makes it easier to access medicines and other essential medical supplies, the DSWD said June 20.
The resumption of the partnership between the DSWD and Mercury Drug aims to expand beneficiaries’ access to much-needed medicines and medical assistance while ensuring the faster and more convenient utilization of assistance provided under the AICS program.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said 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 department continues to strengthen its partnerships with private institutions to make social protection services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable sectors.
Prior to this renewed partnership, the DSWD had also forged a similar arrangement with Generika Drugstore, further expanding the network with partner-pharmacies where AICS beneficiaries may use their GLs.
Through these partnerships, the DSWD aims to provide clients with more options to conveniently access medicines and other essential medical supplies while ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of medical assistance to Filipinos in need. ||
