Manila: Filipinos will soon have access to 75 types of medicines for free at select clinics and pharmacies, with a limit of PHP20,000 per year, under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package.
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado announced during the launch that this initiative is a part of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para mailayo sa sakit ang bawat Pilipino (YAKAP) program. Mercado highlighted that a significant portion of out-of-pocket expenses for Filipinos is spent on medical goods, such as medicines and medical supplies, especially after being discharged from hospitals.
The GAMOT package, which will be implemented starting August 21, expands on the initial 21 free medicines available under the Konsultasyong Sulit Tama or Konsulta benefits package by adding 54 more. This expansion is detailed in PhilHealth Circular 2025-0013. The medicines covered include treatments for a range of conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart conditions, nervous system disorders, and other supportive therapies. The complete list of free medicines can be found in the PhilHealth circular.
To avail of the new GAMOT package, individuals must register as beneficiaries of PhilHealth’s YAKAP program. Registration can be completed through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth member online portal, at PhilHealth offices, or through other channels. Beneficiaries are required to obtain a prescription from a YAKAP or PhilHealth-accredited physician before they can access the free medicines at any GAMOT facility. A government-issued ID and the doctor’s prescription must be presented at the clinic.
Mercado noted that there are 4,300 GAMOT partner clinics where PhilHealth members can avail of this new benefit. For residents in Metro Manila, the benefit is also available at GAMOT partner pharmacies. Mercado mentioned that currently, GAMOT pharmacies are only available in Metro Manila, but more will be added in the near future.
