Good news for Metro Manila residents battling mental health conditions: select hospitals and health centers across the region are now offering free psychiatric medications as part of the government’s expanded healthcare access program.
This initiative, led by the Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD)—an office under the Department of Health (DOH)—aims to improve the availability and affordability of mental health treatment across the National Capital Region. By providing free access to commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs, the government hopes to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.
What Medications Are Being Offered for Free?
The MMCHD has officially announced that it is distributing the following psychiatric medications at no cost:
- Paliperidone Palmitate (150mg) – typically prescribed for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
- Escitalopram (10mg) – commonly used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder
- Lithium Carbonate (450mg) – a well-known mood stabilizer for managing bipolar disorder
- Quetiapine (200mg) – used for bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia
- Risperidone (2mg) – an antipsychotic for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability in autism
- Clozapine (100mg) – prescribed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia
These medications are part of the essential treatment regimens for many individuals dealing with mental health issues, and access to them—especially for free—can be life-changing.
How to Avail of the Free Mental Health Medicines
To claim any of the medications, patients must follow a simple process:
- Secure an updated prescription from a licensed psychiatrist or doctor.
- Email the prescription to: [email protected]
- Wait for confirmation from the DOH office before heading to a participating hospital or facility.
The MMCHD encourages patients and caregivers to comply with these requirements to ensure proper and safe dispensation of medications.
Nationwide Mental Health Access Centers
The health agency also shared a nationwide list of Mental Health Access Centers, where patients can seek consultation, support, and referrals. These centers are part of the broader push to decentralize and expand mental health services beyond major hospitals.
Why This Program Matters
Mental health disorders are on the rise globally—and the Philippines is no exception. Many Filipinos struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. However, the cost of psychiatric medications often prevents people from continuing their treatment, especially those without stable income or health insurance.
This program is a direct response to that challenge, ensuring that cost does not stand in the way of proper care.
VAT Exemptions Strengthen Affordability
To support this campaign, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reinforced the affordability of psychiatric drugs by removing value-added tax (VAT) on them. This includes medications for:
- Mental illnesses
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
This VAT exemption, based on Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, took effect in 2019 and was expanded further in 2024. The FDA stated that these tax breaks are designed to reduce the financial burden on Filipino patients and ensure access to essential medications.
Final Thoughts
This free medication program is a step in the right direction for mental healthcare in the Philippines. It recognizes the importance of mental health, not just as a medical issue, but as a national priority. If you or someone you know is taking any of the listed medications, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity.
For full details, prescriptions, and inquiries, reach out via email to [email protected].
Let’s help break the stigma around mental health by making sure treatment is within reach—for everyone.
