CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Region IV-A has expanded the implementation and reach of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program across the Calabarzon region.
According to PhilHealth Region IV-A, a total of P592 million has already been released for YAKAP claims, while P9.4 million has been allocated for medicines dispensed through accredited pharmacies across the region under the GAMOT program.
The PhilHealth YAKAP program is designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to all Filipinos. Among the benefits available to members are free consultations and laboratory services, as well as cancer screening services for colorectal, lung, liver, and breast cancer in selected hospitals based on recommendations from doctors in YAKAP clinics.
PhilHealth said it has expanded medicine coverage under the program. From the original 21 essential medicines under YAKAP, an additional 54 types of medicines have been included through the GAMOT program. Under the medicine assistance component, each member may receive up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines annually through accredited GAMOT pharmacies.
At present, there are already 289 accredited YAKAP clinics operating across the region to provide healthcare services, including 75 clinics in Quezon Province, 112 in Laguna, and 102 in Cavite.
Josephine, a resident of Calamba City, Laguna, said she is thankful for the PhilHealth YAKAP and GAMOT programs because they helped lessen her medical expenses, particularly for consultations and maintenance medicines.
“Maraming salamat po sa Philhealth para sa programang ito. Malaking tulong po ito upang magamit sa pagpapakonsulta sa doktor at makabili ng aking maintenance na gamot para sa aking sakit,” Josephine said.
To improve the security and efficiency of transactions, PhilHealth has also implemented digital initiatives such as the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU) for liveness verification, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and enhanced internet connectivity in healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth Region IV-A has also been conducting registration drives across the Calabarzon region to encourage more residents to enroll and avail themselves of the agency’s healthcare programs and benefits.
The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness and ensure wider access to primary healthcare services and medicines under the YAKAP and GAMOT programs. (with reports from Philhealth/PIA)