Manila: Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) who enroll in the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program through the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Iloilo chapter will no longer need to pay the P900 co-payment typically required by private providers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the FPOP Iloilo chapter manager, Mona Liza Diones, stated that the organization has nine doctors and provides access to 13 laboratory tests and 22 medicines under the YAKAP program. Additionally, FPOP operates a mobile van equipped with X-ray and electrocardiogram machines and offers Pap smear tests for cancer detection.

FPOP plans to open a pharmacy as part of PhilHealth's Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program, ensuring availability of all 75 required medicines. 'We are the only private institution that waives the P900 co-payment,' Diones emphasized.

PhilHealth members can also benefit from free family planning, animal bite treatment, and mental health services through FPOP. Diones noted that the organization aims to be a comprehensive service provider, eliminating the need to refer clients elsewhere.

FPOP has adopted 10 barangays in Iloilo City, including Rizal Pala-Pala, Simon Ledesma, and Calumpang, to provide mobile services. These densely populated communities are prelisted for coverage under YAKAP via FPOP. "We ensure that the entire population receives YAKAP services, including free consultation, laboratory tests, and medicines," Diones highlighted.

The organization is committed to serving remote areas, marginalized communities, and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, accommodating the unique schedules of BPO workers, especially those on night shifts. Since becoming accredited as a YAKAP provider, FPOP has served approximately 5,000 PhilHealth members.

FPOP Iloilo celebrated its 57th anniversary with a medical mission and other services, benefiting over 400 residents from its adopted communities.