Bacolod city: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is extending an invitation to pharmaceutical service providers to participate in the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) initiative, part of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). As of April 30, the data indicates that there are currently 25 GAMOT providers in Negros Occidental, with 13 located in Bacolod City and 12 in other local government units (LGUs).
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth Bacolod head Edgar Yocariza expressed the need for more GAMOT providers, highlighting that several cities and municipalities still lack accredited services. "We are requesting owners of drug stores and pharmacies in other LGUs to join the program so that more people can avail of free medicines," Yocariza stated. He added that service providers can share their experiences of partnering with PhilHealth, particularly noting the efficient payment process for dispensed drugs and medicines, which is completed in no more than 15 days after release.
In Bacolod City, the health facilities accredited as GAMOT providers include Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, LGE Pharmacy, Vaximax Marketing Ventures, and five branches of Generika Drugstore. In other LGUs, providers include Alfredo E. Mara±on Memorial District Hospital and Generika Drugstore in Sagay City, MC Trinidad Blessed Pharmacy in Silay City, Raffa Pharma Corp. in Talisay City, Kabankalan City Hospital, Cauayan District Hospital, and Sipalay City Primary Care Facility.
GAMOT aims to provide members and their dependents access to 75 essential medicines for common and chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, infections, and certain cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Beneficiaries are entitled to receive up to PHP20,000 worth of medicines per year.
There are also 56 YAKAP clinics in Negros Occidental, with six located in Bacolod City. Through PhilHealth's YAKAP, registered members and their qualified dependents can access free primary care consultations, preventive health services, selected laboratory tests, and essential medicines as part of the benefit package.
