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Richmond Mercurio - The Philippine Star
October 25, 2026 | 12:00am
Partnership to expand medical Assistance program: The Department of Social Welfare and Development has partnered with Southstar Drug of Robinsons Retail to expand the agency’s medical assistance program. In photo are (from left) Robinsons Retail Drugstore Segment Group general manager Mariel Crisostomo, Robinsons Retail chairman Robina Gokongwei Pe, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, Robinsons Retail president and CEO Stanley Co and Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.’s Southstar Drug has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to let qualified individuals claim approved medicines and health care products without upfront payment.
The partnership, which will initially cover five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, could bring DSWD-supported medicine access to more communities through Southstar Drug’s pharmacy network.
Through the collaboration, beneficiaries of 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 health care products.
Southstar Drug will coordinate directly with DSWD for reimbursement.
The arrangement gives beneficiaries more convenient and accessible pharmacy options within their communities.
Beneficiaries or their authorized representatives may present their DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription when applicable and other required supporting documents at the covered branches.
Coverage may include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices and medical equipment, subject to the approved assistance, applicable regulations and product availability.
Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez said that by supporting DSWD’s medical assistance program through its pharmacy network, the drugstore chain reinforces its commitment to improving access to essential health care services for Filipinos.
“For beneficiaries, this means more places to use their approved assistance and get the medicines they need without having to raise the covered amount themselves,” Sanchez said.
DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez said the partnership with Southstar Drug marks a significant step toward expanding access to essential medicines for Filipinos in crisis situations.
She said the initiative is designed to bolster the AICS program and deliver more convenient medical assistance.
Southstar Drug became part of Robinsons Retail’s portfolio after it acquired the brand in 2012.
