PhilHealth assures availability of 21 essential medicines under YAKAP

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on Friday assured the public that all 21 essential medicines covered under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) remain available this year in YAKAP-accredited primary care facilities nationwide.

PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said members can continue to access the medicines through their chosen YAKAP clinics as the state insurer works to further improve benefits under the YAKAP and GAMOT programs.

“Makakaasa po ang lahat ng Pilipino na patuloy silang makakakuha nitong 21 na mga gamot sa kanilang napiling YAKAP Clinic, habang mas lalo naming pinagbubuti ang mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth YAKAP at GAMOT,” Mercado said.

The covered medicines include antibiotics, treatments for respiratory infections, maintenance drugs for chronic conditions, and other commonly prescribed medications essential for primary care. PhilHealth said the continued availability of these medicines is aimed at ensuring timely treatment and continuity of care for members across the country.

Members are advised to obtain the medicines only from YAKAP-accredited clinics where they are officially empaneled. PhilHealth also reminded partner providers to maintain adequate stock levels of the covered medicines and to continue complying with service standards under the program.

“Patuloy po ang aming pagsisikap na pagbutihin pa ang paghahatid ng aming serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga YAKAP providers upang patuloy pang magkaroon ng kapanagatagan ang lahat ng Pilipinong umaasa sa PhilHealth,” Mercado added.

The YAKAP program forms part of PhilHealth’s broader effort to strengthen primary care services and reduce out-of-pocket health expenses, particularly for common illnesses and chronic conditions.