President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday launched a new and expanded health initiative called YAKAP — short for Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit — designed to bring quality healthcare closer to Filipinos and reduce the need for hospital confinement.

“People shouldn’t have to travel far or be confined in big hospitals just to receive proper care,” Marcos said. “Through YAKAP, healthcare is brought closer to where the patients actually are.”

Managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the program builds on the earlier Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KONSULTA) initiative. YAKAP expands access to medicines, consultations, and laboratory tests, with a renewed emphasis on preventive care and early detection.

Among the major upgrades, cancer screenings for colorectal, lung, liver, and breast cancer will now be offered free of charge in select hospitals, provided patients have a doctor’s referral from an accredited primary care provider. The range of basic laboratory tests has also increased from 15 to 20.

The number of essential medicines covered under the program has risen from 21 to 75. These can be availed of through partner pharmacies, with patients entitled to as much as P20,000 worth of medication per year.

To make the services even more accessible, YAKAP is integrated into the eGov PH app, allowing members to register and access their benefits digitally. Registration is also available through PhilHealth’s website, local offices, or at any accredited primary care provider.

PhilHealth acting president and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado said the program reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring every Filipino can access timely and affordable care.

“With YAKAP, the government wants every Filipino to know that it’s possible to recover, it’s possible to stay healthy,” he said.

PhilHealth is also working to onboard more healthcare providers across the country. “We’re making sure the benefits are not just on paper,” Mercado said. “We need enough doctors, clinics, and pharmacies ready to deliver these services.”

Marcos said YAKAP is proof that the government is working to ease the burdens of everyday Filipinos. “This program shows that we’re here, doing everything we can, and using the full force of the government to help you, especially when you’re sick,” he said.