By Brian Campued
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to provide Filipinos with better access to healthcare services, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) expanded its primary care program, which now includes free cancer screening tests.
During the official launch of PhilHealth’s “Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Para Malayo sa Sakit” at a mall in Cubao, Quezon City, on Friday, Marcos underscored the importance of bringing the state health insurer’s programs closer to the people, especially those living in remote areas.
“Pinalalapit natin ang healthcare system natin sa taumbayan para naman, unang-una, sila ay magpapatingin kaagad kapag sila ay may nararamdaman, at bukod pa doon, makakatulong pa tayo kung sakali man kailangan silang magpagamot… at saka ‘yong mga ibang tests, at ‘yong mga ibang serbisyo,” he said.
Originally launched in 2021 as Konsulta (“Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama”) Program, the more comprehensive YAKAP shifts the focus from treatment to prevention.
The expanded benefit package allows PhilHealth members to avail of 13 basic laboratory tests as well as six cancer screening tests such as mammogram, liver ultrasound, low-dose CT scan, and colonoscopy.
Available medicines covered by PhilHealth have also been increased to 75 from the previous 54, Marcos noted.
Laboratory and cancer screening tests can be availed free of charge at select hospitals, provided that members present their doctors’ orders from their accredited primary care providers. While the expanded medicine list is subject to a maximum benefit limit of P20,000 per patient per year.
“Kaya ‘yan po ang binibigyan namin ng prayoridad—ang ating mga kababayan na sila ay maging healthy, sila ay may malalapitan at may tutulong kapag sila man ay magkaroon ng karamdaman,” he said.
Reiterating his administration’s push for digitalization in the government, the President stressed that PhilHealth is ramping up its efforts to streamline processes, such as registrations and consultations to avoid queueing.
He also urged the public to download the eGovPH Super App for a more convenient registration process to PhilHealth’s YAKAP as well as other government transactions and services.
“Lahat po ‘yan ay sa aming layunin na talagang pagandahin ang healthcare system natin dito sa Pilipinas. At sa palagay ko, dito ipagpatuloy ng YAKAP na programa ay mararamdaman ng taumbayan na ang pamahalaan ay nandito at ginagawa ang lahat, at ginagamit lahat ng kakayahan ng buong pamahalaan upang tulungan kayo, lalong-lalo na kapag kayo ay may sakit,” the Chief Executive said.
-jpv
