Quezon city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Para Malayo sa Sakit, an expanded package of accessible health services, including medicines and basic laboratory tests. During the program's launch at the Gateway Mall, Marcos emphasized that the revitalized primary care benefit package aims to provide Filipinos, particularly those in remote areas, with improved access to primary and preventive healthcare services.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is not a new program but an expansion of an existing one, addressing the high mortality rates in large hospitals due to their distance from rural communities. Marcos explained that the enhanced primary care program by PhilHealth seeks to bring these essential services closer to the population, minimizing the need for travel to large hospitals.

The comprehensive primary care package now includes 13 laboratory tests, six cancer screening tests such as mammogram, liver ultrasound, low-dose CT scan, and colonoscopy, and an increase in covered medicines from 54 to 75. Marcos highlighted the significant benefits of this expanded coverage for Filipinos.

Furthermore, Marcos stated that PhilHealth is working on digitalizing its registration and consultation processes to streamline services. Filipinos can register for the benefits via the eGov mobile app or through other channels, including the PhilHealth Member Portal, local health insurance offices, or accredited primary care providers.

The YAKAP Program is an evolution of the previous Konsulta initiative, consolidating other primary and outpatient care efforts by PhilHealth to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services in the country.