Manila: About 3,200 individuals from various sectors joined the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) 'Para Malayo sa Sakit' run in this highly urbanized city Sunday. The event drew participants in the 2.5-kilometer and 5-kilometer run, kicking off at the provincial capitol grounds, proceeding to Lacson Street, and returning to the starting point.

According to Philippines News Agency, the YAKAP Run was more than just a physical activity; it embodied a shared commitment toward wellness, solidarity, and service, as highlighted by PhilHealth Bacolod head Edgar Yocariza. YAKAP is PhilHealth's enhanced primary care benefit package focusing on preventive and promotive healthcare, now extending its benefits to include GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment).

The package offers services such as consultations, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and access to 75 essential medicines through YAKAP-accredited clinics and GAMOT providers. In Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, PhilHealth has accredited 237 YAKAP clinics, 177 GAMOT providers, and 188 facilities for cancer screening tests.

The Bacolod PhilHealth YAKAP Run was supported by YAKAP providers, including Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, Medisense Laboratory Inc., and Senior Care Diagnostic Clinic. These institutions conducted first patient encounter (FPE) sessions for some participants. The FPE is the required initial health assessment and data collection with an accredited YAKAP provider, enabling beneficiaries to access primary care consultations, laboratory tests, and maintenance medicines.

In a video message, Department of Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral emphasized the importance of the PhilHealth YAKAP Run as a reminder to Negrenses about the significance of daily health practices and the availability of primary services and benefits. She stated, "The real goal is for every Negrense to use these benefits to live healthier and seek care earlier."