botika

Botika is a Tagalog term meaning pharmacy or drugstore. It is commonly used in the Philippines to refer to retail outlets that dispense medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, and related health products. The word derives from the Spanish botica, historically meaning an apothecary or drugstore, and is cognate with similar terms in other languages.

In the Philippine context, botika also designates government-supported programs aimed at improving access to medicines. Botika ng Barangay and Botika ng Bayan are initiatives that stock essential medicines and, in many cases, generic drugs at reduced prices to serve local communities. These programs are typically operated through local government units with oversight from the Department of Health and may be located within community health centers, public clinics, or partner retail outlets. They are designed to increase the availability and affordability of essential drugs and to support public health goals.

The term is also used in branding and everyday language to refer to pharmacies in general, regardless of ownership. While botika can mean any drugstore, its use in government programs highlights efforts to improve accessibility, promote generic medicines, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. Botika remains a common and enduring term in Filipino for both the place where medicines are sold and the broader concept of pharmaceutical access.