Negros oriental: Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria urged his constituents on Wednesday to enroll in the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Speaking during the launch of YAKAP in the province, Sagarbarria noted that only a quarter of the province’s population has so far registered for the expanded version of the state insurer’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program.
According to Philippines News Agency, YAKAP is a primary healthcare package that provides PhilHealth members with free access to medical consultations, basic diagnostic tests, and essential medicines from accredited providers. It offers a comprehensive package that emphasizes cancer screening and considers the emotional aspect of healthcare. Dr. Thea Arcely Jimenez of the PhilHealth Board highlighted the program’s partnership with successful Universal Health Care programs from countries like Thailand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, aiming for universal access to affordable healthcare.
Jimenez further stated that YAKAP facilitates early detection, leading to better health outcomes, fewer sick days, and reduced healthcare costs. PhilHealth Regional Office 7 regional vice president Marjorie Cabrieto announced the upcoming launch of the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program, which will provide members up to PHP 20,000 worth of outpatient medicines covering 75 essential types of drugs for common illnesses.
Cabrieto emphasized that YAKAP is inclusive, catering not only to vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities but also to the employed sector. Members are required to sign up at accredited centers to avail of free outpatient services and medicines for one year. Accredited YAKAP clinics in Negros Oriental include 23 rural health units/city health offices, 14 province-owned hospitals, five private primary care facilities, and three private hospitals.
Privately owned Nuiqcare Pharmacy serves as the recognized GAMOT supplier in the province. The three private hospitals accredited for YAKAP are Silliman University Medical Center Foundation, Inc., Allied Care Experts (ACE) Dumaguete Doctors, Inc., and Negros Polymedic Hospital. Registration for YAKAP is free at public health facilities, while private hospitals charge a minimum of PHP 900.
