Over 33M Filipinos get primary care access from 4.2K YAKAP clinics nationwide —PhilHealth

ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads launch of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) on July 25, 2025. Nearly a year later, over 33 Filipinos are now covered under the state health insurer’s expanded primary care program. (Photo courtesy: PCO / FILE)

By Brian Campued

The Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) implemented by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has reached around 33.2 million Filipinos through 4,287 accredited YAKAP clinics nationwide since its launch in July 2025.

In a news release Friday, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Edwin Mercado, underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continue strengthening the country’s health care system and make it more accessible, responsive, and affordable for all Filipinos.

“Ang pagpili at pagpapa-empanel sa inyong YAKAP Clinic ay hindi lamang pagsunod sa proseso; ito ay ang pagtitiyak na may sandigan ang inyong pamilya bago pa man dumating ang sakit,” Mercado said.

“Sa YAKAP, layon nating protektahan ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino upang hindi na humantong sa malubhang karamdaman na mas mahirap at mas mahal gamutin.”

YAKAP is the state health insurer’s enhanced outpatient primary care benefit package aimed at prevention and early detection of illnesses—allowing for timely interventions before medical conditions become severe.

Under the initiative, registered members are given access to free medical consultations, essential laboratory and diagnostic services, and outpatient cancer screenings.

It also includes the GAMOT benefit, providing up to P20,000 worth of essential medicines annually.

This week, PhilHealth has conducted over 191 empanelment drives nationwide to connect more communities to their chosen clinics through outreach missions and settings-based registration campaigns.

As part of its continuing efforts to connect more members to accredited primary care providers, PhilHealth said that it has conducted 191 empanelment drives across the country this week.

Members may also register for YAKAP digitally through the eGovPH Mobile App or the PhilHealth Member Portal.

President Marcos has also visited several hospitals this week, including The Medical City in Pasig City, Pampanga Provincial Hospital–Clark, and Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC), to personally assess health care services they provide as well as the implementation of expanded benefits of PhilHealth and Department of Health.

-jpv

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