Original studyPhilippine Information Agency (DOH-MMCHD Medicine Access Program for Mental Health), 2026Read the paper →
For people on long-term psychiatric treatment in the Philippines, the monthly cost of medicines can run into thousands of pesos. A Department of Health programme in Metro Manila offers selected prescriptions free of charge, and a report published on 28 October 2026 has drawn fresh attention to how patients can use it.
The Medicine Access Program for Mental Health (MAP-MH) is run in the capital region by the Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD). Details of the scheme were set out by the government’s Philippine Information Agency on 16 January 2026.
The scheme is not new. According to a 2021 Department of Health order setting out its national guidelines, MAP-MH began in 2012 under the department’s Pharmaceutical Division and was run by the National Center for Mental Health, with the aim of making mental health drugs available in the community. By then, 207 access sites had opened nationwide, serving around 39,000 people.
Which medicines are covered
According to the Philippine Information Agency, the medicines available at the MMCHD as of December 2025 included the antipsychotics clozapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and paliperidone palmitate. The list also included the antidepressant escitalopram and the mood stabilisers valproic acid and lithium carbonate.
The Philippine Canadian Inquirer says the programme covers selected medicines prescribed for conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It describes paliperidone palmitate as a long-acting injectable antipsychotic. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer notes that supplies may differ between facilities, so patients should check that a medicine is available before trying to claim it.
How to get free mental health medicines in the Philippines’ capital
The process has two steps. First, patients need a copy of a valid, updated prescription from a licensed psychiatrist. Second, they email that prescription to the programme at mentalhealth.dohncr@gmail.com or mapmhmmchd@gmail.com and wait for confirmation.
Once a request is confirmed, medicines can be collected from a designated DOH mental health access site. The Philippine Information Agency says there are more than 40 of these across Metro Manila. According to the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, participating facilities have included the Philippine General Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and selected public health facilities, though not every site carries every medicine.
The Philippine Information Agency adds that the programme also offers free consultations, medical services, referrals, and other support.
Why cost matters
Missing doses because of cost can disrupt treatment for long-term conditions. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer reports that some local governments run their own schemes, with public health centres in Quezon City providing mental health services and selected maintenance medicines to eligible residents. It also advises patients not to change their dose or stop treatment without medical advice.
For other sources of support, Psychreg keeps a list of mental health service providers in the Philippines.
If you are in crisis, the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline can be reached 24 hours a day on 1553 (nationwide, toll-free from landlines) or 1800 1888 1553, or on 0917 899 8727 or 0966 351 4518 (Globe and TM) and 0919 057 1553 (Smart and TNT), according to the National Center for Mental Health. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123 (24 hours).
