Community Drugstore (Botika ng Barangay): Its Contribution to Family Living Standards

Botika ng Barangay (BnB) is a drug outlet managed by a legitimate community organization, nongovernment organization and/or local government unit. It is a government-initiated poverty alleviation program to increase access of community people to affordable medicines. This study determined the contributions of the Botika ng Barangay to the improvement of family living standards in Cebu Province. Findings revealed that the BnB recipients’ level of acceptance was generally high. They utilized the BnB products as the need arises. They were satisfied of the BnB services in terms of product line, health-related effects, cost and personnel services. Their mean health-related expenditures for 3 months was Php 84.97 based on actual BnB prices and Php 205.89 based on commercial drugstore prices. Their mean savings was Php 120.93. From 2005 to 2008, the mean life expectancy was age 62. The mean infant mortality rate was 1.9 while the mean child mortality rate was 1.0. Based on interviews, problems encountered with BnBs were availability of stocks, operating hours, and variety of medicines sold. The establishment of BnBs has contributed to the improvement of family living standards in Cebu Province.

Keywords - Botika ng Barangay, acceptance, utilization, satisfaction, contribution, family living standards.