Manila: About 41,000 students and workers are expected to receive medical services as the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) joins the nationwide rollout of the 'Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Tapat Para sa Lahat' initiative Monday. PhilHealth spokesperson and Quality Assurance Group Vice President Alfred Philip de Dios announced the agency's efforts to bring its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) closer to educational institutions and workplaces as part of a unified agenda with the Department of Health.

According to Philippines News Agency, the target includes approximately 21,000 students and 20,000 workers. YAKAP services encompass the first patient encounter, consultation, empanelment, and the possibility of receiving a prescription under the GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) benefit. De Dios detailed these services during a Radio Pilipinas interview, emphasizing their importance in providing initial consultations, enrollment with primary care providers, and access to necessary medications.

PhilHealth is also facilitating membership registration and educating clients about their clinical options. De Dios stated that the agency is consolidating regional data to assess the actual turnout of this nationwide activity. He encouraged PhilHealth members to understand their rights and benefits under the Universal Health Care Act, highlighting access to immediate hospital and clinical services as a key component.

PhilHealth aims for widespread affiliation with YAKAP clinics, where early detection of illnesses can prevent complications. Regional offices are also organizing localized outreach activities with accredited YAKAP clinics to make primary care services more accessible to communities.