Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. in Western Visayas (PhilHealth-6) has introduced its inaugural Guaranteed Access Medication to Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program in the province of Antique. This initiative marks a significant step in improving access to essential medications in rural communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program enables accredited pharmacies to dispense essential medicines based on prescriptions from providers of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). This seamless integration aims to enhance healthcare services in underserved areas. PhilHealth-6 Acting Regional Vice President Larry Tabsing announced the launch at the Kapihan sa Western Visayas forum, highlighting the selection of San Vicente Pharmacy in Anini-y, Antique, as the first facility to participate in the GAMOT program.
The decision to launch in a remote area underscores the goal of improving access to medication. PhilHealth plans to pilot two facilities in each province for testing, with the eventual aim of expanding the program region-wide. As of now, 67 pharmacies across Western Visayas are accredited under the GAMOT program, including six each in Aklan and Antique, 11 in Capiz, eight in Guimaras and Iloilo province, five in Iloilo City, and 23 in Negros Occidental.
Tabsing extended an invitation to private pharmacies to apply for accreditation, signaling an expansion of the program. Field Operations Division chief Junie Sabusap explained that PhilHealth members must enlist at a YAKAP facility to benefit from GAMOT. Following consultation, a digital prescription is issued, allowing members to claim their medications from accredited pharmacies.
The system also informs members of their remaining PHP20,000 PhilHealth allowance for medicines, facilitating better management of their healthcare benefits. Sabusap noted that members are beginning to experience the advantages of Universal Health Care, with easier access to benefits and no out-of-pocket expenses for preventive and maintenance medications.
The GAMOT-accredited facilities provide 54 basic medications, alongside 21 additional medicines available through the YAKAP program.
