Manila: Some 33.2 million Filipinos are now covered under the state health insurer's expanded primary care program, marking a significant surge in healthcare accessibility nationwide. In a news release on Friday, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) now reaches 33.2 million beneficiaries through 4,287 accredited clinics.
According to Philippines News Agency, the expansion represents a 457-fold increase in primary care support compared to 2021 figures. PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado emphasized that the program serves as a proactive "sandigan" (reliable defense) for Filipino families. "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 (Choosing and empaneling with a YAKAP Clinic ensures that families have support before illness strikes)," Mercado stated.
"Sa YAKAP, layon nating protektahan ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino upang hindi na humantong sa malubhang karamdaman na mas mahirap at mas mahal gamutin (Our goal in YAKAP is to protect every Filipino's health to prevent severe conditions that are more difficult and expensive to treat)," he added. The YAKAP package allows registered members to access free medical consultations, essential laboratory tests, and outpatient cancer screenings. It also includes the GAMOT benefit, providing up to PHP20,000 worth of essential medicines annually.
To sustain the momentum, PhilHealth conducted 191 empanelment drives this week, utilizing outreach missions to register residents in remote areas. Members may also register digitally through the eGovPH Mobile App or the PhilHealth Member Portal. The aggressive rollout follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to institutionalize quality primary healthcare as a fundamental right for every Filipino.
