Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has called on more Filipinos to participate in preventive healthcare by registering with the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). This initiative forms part of PhilHealth’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility for its members and their dependents.

According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth Acting Regional Vice President Lazaro Tabsing emphasized the importance of increasing registration for YAKAP. He highlighted that the program ensures all accredited health providers are adequately prepared to conduct the necessary diagnostic procedures. Tabsing noted that the application process for providers includes an assessment of their facilities and infrastructure to determine their eligibility as YAKAP centers.

The expanded YAKAP program offers essential and comprehensive primary care services. These services encompass medical consultations, health screenings, laboratory tests, essential drugs and medicines, and cancer screenings. As of August 31, PhilHealth has registered 34.41 percent of the total population in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, amounting to 2,784,805 registrants. This represents 88.12 percent of the over three million target for the year, with 633,824 individuals having had their first patient encounter.

Currently, the region boasts 202 accredited healthcare providers, which include 14 private hospitals and clinics, 50 government hospitals, and 138 rural health units or city health offices. PhilHealth has disbursed over PHP212.15 million to these accredited providers.

In a separate development on Tuesday, PhilHealth recognized 42 stakeholders for their contributions to its programs. These stakeholders included performing partners for group enrollment, efficient YAKAP/Konsulta providers, effective local government units, healthcare facilities, and media partners. The Philippine News Agency was honored as the Most Valuable Media Partner.