Bacolod city: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is actively encouraging residents of Negros, known as Negrenses, to take advantage of the services provided under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). This initiative is an enhanced primary care benefit package that emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Amalia Fernandez, a medical specialist with PhilHealth-Western Visayas Benefits Administration, highlighted that members and their dependents can register for these services using their identification number with the nearest YAKAP provider located in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. "We have a very good program on preventive care, for diseases that we can prevent and not get worse," she stated at a press forum.
In addition to registering with a chosen YAKAP provider, members can also sign up through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth member portal, or their local PhilHealth office. It is recommended that members visit the YAKAP clinic where they are registered for an initial consultation.
In Bacolod City, YAKAP service providers include the City Health Office, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and Medisense Laboratory Center. The services offered under YAKAP encompass 13 free laboratory tests including complete blood count with platelet count, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, chest X-ray, sputum microscopy, electrocardiogram, urinalysis, pap smear, fecalysis, and fecal occult blood test.
Additionally, six cancer-screening tests are provided free of charge, such as breast ultrasound and mammogram for breast cancer, alpha-fetoprotein and liver ultrasound for liver cancer, low-dose chest CT scan for lung cancer, and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
YAKAP also offers 75 types of medicines for free at select clinics and pharmacies, with an annual limit of PHP20,000. These medicines include antibiotics, anti-infectious, anti-dyslipidemia, anti-thrombotic, pain relief, supportive medicines, anti-asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatments, high blood and heart medications, blood sugar control, and nerve pain relief.
PhilHealth Corporate Memo No. 2025-0039 outlines that YAKAP integrates primary care services with outpatient laboratory diagnostics and pharmaceutical benefits. It refines the model by expanding access points, improving provider incentives, and strengthening care coordination.
