Dumaguete city: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is appealing to local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental to intensify the registration of individuals for its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).

According to Philippines News Agency, Maritess Que, local health insurance officer of PhilHealth, stated that the registration process for the enhanced primary care program is progressing at a slow pace. “We have already provided the LGUs with YAKAP application forms since September, but registration is very slow,” Que noted.

Que emphasized the significant role of LGUs and rural health units, highlighting their proximity to the constituents. She added that only 31,000 PhilHealth members registered under YAKAP have experienced their first patient encounter (FPE) in her area of coverage from Dumaguete City to Basay in the south. The FPE necessitates that patients consult with a YAKAP-accredited physician at a YAKAP center before they can avail of free medicines and laboratory tests covered by the program.

The same issue is present in the northern towns and cities, although PhilHealth is still compiling its data in these areas. Que expressed hope that YAKAP-accredited government health centers, along with three private hospitals in the capital, would actively participate in promoting the government’s latest health care program.

YAKAP is an enhanced version of the PhilHealth KONSULTA (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama), a program designed to ensure essential medications are accessible, particularly to the financially disadvantaged. During the Oct. 8 regional launch of the PhilHealth program, Governor Manuel Sagarbarria mentioned that only 25 percent of the province’s estimated 1.4 million population are YAKAP-registered.

Que concluded by stating that they will enhance their information and outreach efforts but also require the assistance of provincial and local government units to optimize the use of YAKAP services.