Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI) and the Social Security System (SSS) opened the first Pambansang Botika, a government-supported franchise pharmacy, at the SSS Diliman branch in Quezon City on September 29. The store sells mostly generic medicines to SSS members, pensioners and walk-in customers.
PPPI says the program traces to a commitment President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made in his 2022 State of the Nation Address. The store is on the ground floor of the branch on East Avenue.
According to SSS records cited in earlier coverage, the branch handles about 5,000 member and pensioner visits a day, so customers can buy medicines during the same trip they make for SSS transactions. Non-members may also buy there, but purchases of maintenance medicines require a doctor’s prescription.
The store carries more than 200 medicines. PhilStar Life, citing Radyo Pilipinas, reported prices of ₱1 per tablet for amlodipine 5 mg, ₱5 for losartan 100 mg and ₱1.50 for metformin 500 mg. Bilyonaryo News reported that amlodipine, a blood pressure medicine, sells for ₱1.75 at other generic pharmacies.
PPPI President and CEO Maria Blanca Kim Lokin said the company buys generic drugs directly from manufacturers in India, China and the Philippines, which removes intermediary markups.
The branch also hosts services under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which began there on March 12, 2026. Registered PhilHealth members can get free consultations, laboratory tests and 75 essential medicines through Life Saver Medical Services, a PhilHealth-accredited provider that PPPI supplies with medicines.
The branch offers 38 procedures under the program, with an annual coverage of ₱20,000 per beneficiary. PhilStar Life added that eligible beneficiaries may also receive prescribed medicines covered by PhilHealth’s GAMOT package.
PPPI and the SSS plan to expand through a franchise model open to local government units, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and corporate partners. The program uses the slogan “Kabuhayan at Kalusugan.” PPPI Chair Winston Castelo said it aims to lower medicine costs, widen access to primary healthcare and create livelihood opportunities.
According to a PPPI statement, franchisees will receive store design, layout and operating guidelines, staff training, help obtaining licenses and marketing support. The initial franchise fee covers a three-year contract and is renewable annually for a small fee. The reports reviewed do not state the amount.
SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro and Lokin confirmed that the pharmacies will extend to more SSS branches and key regional areas. No opening dates or locations have been announced. The Diliman store is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
