Government medical aid expands access through Mercury Drug partnership

DSWD Guarantee Letters can again be used at 262 branches nationwide starting June 22.

One of the country’s largest pharmacy chains is reopening access to government-funded medical assistance. Beginning June 22, Mercury Drug will once again accept DSWD Guarantee Letters at 262 branches nationwide, giving beneficiaries more places to obtain medicines and other essential medical supplies.

The move allows recipients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to use their approved Guarantee Letters at participating Mercury Drug stores, making it easier to access medicines without having to shoulder the full cost upfront.

A Guarantee Letter serves as a commitment from the government to cover approved assistance, allowing beneficiaries to redeem medicines and medical supplies from partner establishments while the DSWD settles the corresponding amount.

According to the DSWD, the renewed partnership forms part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of AICS and improve the delivery of medical assistance to Filipinos facing illness and other emergencies.

The expanded pharmacy network could help reduce the time and expense often involved in securing medicines, particularly for families already dealing with financial strain brought about by medical needs.

The arrangement also benefits participating pharmacies by widening access points for government-funded assistance, helping ensure approved aid is utilized more efficiently.

Prior to the renewed partnership with Mercury Drug, the DSWD had already forged a similar arrangement with Generika Drugstore as part of its efforts to broaden access to medicines and other medical supplies.

The agency said the initiative supports its goal of making social protection services more accessible and responsive to vulnerable sectors, while aligning with the government’s push to improve the delivery of public assistance.

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