Patients with updated psychiatric prescriptions may qualify for selected free medicines through the Department of Health’s Medicine Access Program for Mental Health. Here’s how to apply and what to know before claiming.
For Filipinos managing mental health conditions, the cost of medication can become a recurring financial burden. But eligible patients in Metro Manila may be able to access selected psychiatric medicines at no cost through a government health initiative.
The Department of Health–Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) implements the Medicine Access Program for Mental Health (MAP-MH), which aims to improve access to psychiatric medication and help ease the expenses associated with ongoing treatment.
According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the program included several types of psychiatric medicines as of December 2025. Patients with an updated prescription from a licensed psychiatrist can submit a copy for verification and wait for confirmation before proceeding with their medication claim.
Which medicines are included?
The medicines reported as available through DOH-MMCHD as of December 2025 included:
Escitalopram 10 mg – an antidepressant also prescribed for certain anxiety disorders.
Lithium carbonate 450 mg – a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.
Quetiapine 200 mg – an antipsychotic that may be prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Risperidone 2 mg – an antipsychotic used to treat certain psychiatric conditions.
Clozapine 100 mg – an antipsychotic used primarily for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Paliperidone palmitate 150 mg – a long-acting injectable antipsychotic.
These medicines require appropriate medical assessment and prescribing. The list reflects reported availability at the time of publication and does not guarantee that every medicine is currently in stock. Patients should verify availability with the program before traveling to a collection site.
How can patients apply for free medication?
Patients seeking assistance through MAP-MH can follow these steps:
1. Obtain an updated prescription.
Secure a valid, updated prescription from a licensed psychiatrist for the medication required.
2. Email a copy for verification.
Send a copy of the prescription to either of the following email addresses reported by the program:
3. Wait for confirmation.
Wait for the program to verify the prescription and provide instructions before visiting a designated medicine access site. Do not assume that sending an email automatically guarantees approval or immediate availability.
4. Confirm where to claim the medicine.
Ask the program which facility can accommodate the request and whether the prescribed medicine is available. Participating access points have included the Philippine General Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and selected public health facilities in Metro Manila. Availability and arrangements may differ by location.
What should patients remember?
The program provides assistance for selected medicines, not necessarily every medication prescribed for a mental health condition. Eligibility, prescription verification, supply, and collection arrangements may affect whether a particular request can be fulfilled.
Patients should continue following their psychiatrist’s instructions and should not stop taking, replace, or adjust prescribed medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
For the latest instructions and medicine availability, patients can check announcements from the DOH-MMCHD or contact the program through the email addresses listed above.
Making mental health care more accessible
Access to appropriate treatment can be challenging when patients must account for recurring prescription costs. Programs such as MAP-MH aim to help ease that burden by making selected medicines available through public health services.
For patients who need ongoing treatment, checking the program’s current requirements and confirming availability before traveling can be an important first step toward accessing assistance.
Availability details and medicine listings are based on published reports from 2025 and January 2026. Confirm current information directly with DOH-MMCHD before applying or traveling.