Davao City (DSWD XI) – “In the first three months of implementation of Libreng Gamot Para Sa Masa (Lingap Sa Masa), we were able to provide medicine needs of 1853 patients of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City,” Director Mercedita P. Jabagat said.

She added that from March to June this year, DSWD Region XI disbursed a total of Php 8,096,656.06 million through the medicine assistance program of the Office of the President.

Lingap Sa Masa provides free medicines to indigent Filipinos or Filipinos in crisis needing current treatment for illness or injuries.

According to Gemma D. Dela Cruz, head of DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit, the assistance can be availed only once in three (3) months and is distinct and separate from the regular DSWD AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) which extends financial support for hospitalization, burial, education and transportation.

Target beneficiaries for Lingap are: 1] Families or individuals who are indigent, vulnerable or disadvantaged; 2] Those in the informal sector and poor based on DSWD Listahanan; 3] Those who are in crisis situation based on assessment of social workers; 4] Employees and contract of service workers of government in crisis situation; and 5] Dependents of soldiers and police officers killed or wounded in the line of duty.

Eligible recipients must bring: 1] Any valid ID of the patient; 2] Any valid ID of representative and written authorization signed by the patient in favor of the representative; 3] Doctor’s prescription issued within the last three (3) months, indicating date and name of patient, duly signed by attending physician, with his license number and contact details; 4] Proof of Indigency or Certificate issued by the barangay or medical social service of an identified hospital. (DSWD)