Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

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Scholars smile with Generika Drugstore and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) officials during a virtual meet-and-greet before their semester started in August.

Aspiring pharmacist Micaella Abedejos from Davao City is pursuing her degree for a deeply personal reason: she wants to help her sick grandmother, who is taking several medications.

"Whenever I come home from school, my grandmother would ask me about her medications, and being able to explain it to her made me happy," 20-year-old Micaella shared.

Her knowledge from pharmacy school empowered her to explain to her grandmother the purpose of each medication, helping her manage her health and avoid potential errors. To Micaella, this is the important role pharmacists play in the community—to educate and empower the vulnerable sectors of our society.

“This inspired me to share my knowledge about her medications because I didn't want her taking them without knowing what they were for. I felt motivated to help and make a difference,” she added.

Micaella’s mother is a housewife, and her father works as an informal electronics repairman. Due to their irregular and limited income, it would have been challenging for them to support her college education, especially with three other siblings also in school.

But with her academic excellence and determination, Micaella was one of the chosen beneficiaries of the Enrollment to Employment Scholarship Program of Generika Drugstore, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI).

This initiative responds to the demand for pharmacists, especially in rural areas, by making it possible for students to pursue their studies.

Atty. Yet Abarca, the President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that the scholarship program is in fulfillment of its promise to provide ginhawa by giving Filipino communities access to quality affordable generic medicines. She noted that pharmacists often serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved areas where drugstores outnumber clinics and hospitals.

“This is really a milestone for us as we embark on this program with Ayala Foundation. Central to our promise of ginhawa is the pharmacist. We take pride in our network of friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists who are at the core of delivering our ginhawa promise to the communities that we serve,” Abarca said.

Protecting Patient Health with Gabay Generika

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Improper use of medicines has long been a global health issue . It occurs when patients do not have access to safe, effective, and affordable medication that meet their clinical needs at the right time, and at the right dosage. According to a World Health Organization study, Promoting Rational Use of Medicines: Core Components, over 50% of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed, or sold inappropriately while 50% of patients fail to take them correctly. As a response to this situation, Generika Drugstore now provides Gabay Generika services to help promote the proper use of medicine and to address health concerns of Filipinos ensuring that their health and well-being is well taken care of. 

Under Gabay Generika, patient health is protected through the PLUS services that Generika provides. Filipinos who cannot avail of paid check-up in hospitals and clinics can have free medical consultations in Generika Drugstore branches with scheduled physicians. Under their guidance, patients can better understand their health problems and be provided with the correct treatment plan – including a prescription if medication is deemed necessary. 

Patients purchasing medicine in any Generika Drugstore will be assisted by knowledgeable and well-trained pharmacists. With their help, a patient has the opportunity to clarify anything about the medicines they are about to buy. This service of patient counselling in the context of proper medication intake is intended to support a physician’s treatment plan, helping ensure that the patient fully understands the medicine and prescription given to them. Through this advice, patients can also learn the importance of following the right dosage and medication schedule as indicated by their doctor. 

The core of Gabay Generika’s patient protection lies with the Gamot Guide, a new pharmacy service that is only being offered by Generika. It is the first ever in the industry and it serves as a tool for customers to help them understand how to take their medicines and ensure compliance of medication. The information written on the Gamot Guide consists of a drug’s generic name, dosing schedule and instructions, storage requirements, possible side effects, and helpful do’s and don’ts about the specific drug. Each purchased medication will have its own printed Gamot Guide, whose specific contents can be adjusted by the pharmacist depending on the patient’s prescription. The guide will be explained by the pharmacists so that patients will fully understand the best and safest ways to use their prescribed medicines.

Being a community drugstore that advocates for the protection and well-being of its customers, Generika will continue to provide innovative and meaningful value adding services for the overall health and well-being of Filipinos.

Generika Drugstore is in its 13th year of serving the Filipino People by providing access to safe, effective, and affordable generic drugs. This legacy of protecting patient health is continued through the new Gabay Generika PLUS services, affirming its commitment to bridge the healthcare gap in the country. Now thanks to free medical consultations, patient counselling, and the Gamot Guide, more and more Filipinos are educated on proper medicine intake and can safely purchase and use their medication whenever they need it the most. 

To learn more about Generika Drugstore, simply visit   "http://www.generika.com.ph/" http://www.generika.com.ph/ or like its Facebook page at  "https://www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph" https://www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph.