go through EDG Adrian A. Eva,reporter
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Now called the Yaman Ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), the program is a revival version of Philhealth’s outpatient welfare program Konsulta, which was first launched in 2021.
Marcos said at the launch that enhanced Yakap is bringing major health care closer to the community to address the high hospital mortality rate of patients due to lack of access to health care.
“Napakalayo Ng Ating Malaking Hospital Doon Sa Kanilang Pinanggagalingan. Kaya Napakahirap Makapunta [Patients find it hard to go to our major hospitals since they are very far from where they come from],” said Mr. Marcos.
“…Kailangan Ibaba Ang Healthcare Natin – Hindi Lamang sa Malakering Ospital, Kundi Pati Sa Mga Maga Maliliit NA Clinic, Sa Mga Tinatawag Natin Natin dati na Rhu, Ang Crural Health Unit [The answer is that we need to bring healthcare not only to large hospitals, but also to smaller clinics],” he added.
Under Yakap at Philhealth, Filipinos may use 13 outpatient laboratory tests and 6 cancer screening tests, including mammograms, liver ultrasound, low-dose CT scans and colonoscopy.
The program will also provide more than 75 drugs with wider access, available than the first 54.
Philadelphia chief Edwin M. Mercado said this helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Filipinos, as maintenance drugs are about 40%.
He added that there is a P20,000 credit line that can be used to purchase medication for mild illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
“ Sa Ganung Paraan Po, Mababawasan Din Yung Siksikan Natin sa Ating Mga Ospital, Maiiwasan din Natin ang ang paglala ng ating sakit [In that way, we can reduce overcrowding in our hospitals and also prevent our illnesses from getting worse],” said Mr. Mercado.
To obtain Yakap’s primary care and outpatient benefits, users can now easily register online through the Egovph app.
Once fully logged in, Filipinos can also check the contracted medical facilities under Yakap, which now has about 4,600.
Meanwhile, Mr Marcos also said Yakap’s expansion of interests and digitization was his government’s response to the gap in the country’s health care system
He added that the plan is also a way for the government to demonstrate its full strength and commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos.
