MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) Bukidnon will launch an expanded “Gamot” initiative, increasing outpatient drug coverage to 75 medicines under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP)

Twenty-five Bukidnon pharmacies are now accredited under PhilHealth’s new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) system.

Targeting a Kaamulan Festival launch, PhilHealth Bukidnon chief Romulo M. Lapuz Jr. confirmed the rollout during a February 15 KBP radio briefing.

“Under YAKAP, members receive consultations, 13 essential laboratory tests, including complete blood count and urinalysis, and six cancer screening tests. The package also includes 75 essential medicines to ensure patients receive treatment after diagnosis,” Lapuz said.

He said YAKAP is PhilHealth’s enhanced primary care package, formerly known as Konsulta. It covers free consultations, laboratory tests, and prescription medicines. The program shifts focus to preventive care and provides up to ₱20,000 worth of outpatient medicines each year through accredited providers.

“The Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, or GAMOT, provides up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines annually for each member and dependent. This helps patients sustain long-term treatment, especially those with chronic illnesses,” Lapuz said.

From basic care to comprehensive coverage

The expansion increases coverage from 21 medicine classes previously available in primary care facilities to 75 therapeutic categories. Lapuz said the change ensures patients continue treatment beyond initial diagnosis.

The program supports senior citizens managing hypertension or diabetes, parents seeking antibiotics or pain relievers for a child’s fever, and patients needing asthma medication and related therapy.

“YAKAP, which means ‘embrace,’ aims to cut out-of-pocket expenses and improve disease management. It extends essential health services to all Filipinos, including those without private insurance, while promoting early detection, prevention, and continuous treatment,” Lapuz said.

YAKAP-GAMOT enrollment

Members may register through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth Member Portal, or at a YAKAP-accredited clinic, such as a Rural Health Unit or authorized private clinic, to activate eligibility in the system. Registration may be completed online or onsite.

“They must also verify their PhilHealth records, including the correct spelling of names and declared dependents. Since the program runs on a fully digital platform, any discrepancy may delay the release of medicines. PhilHealth does not accept manual claims,” Bukidnon’s PhilHealth chief said.

Once validated, members can access up to 75 covered medicines. The digital platform links the prescribing doctor directly to an accredited pharmacy for faster processing.

The program follows a “first patient encounter” system. Members must consult a doctor in person for assessment before laboratory tests or medicines are provided.

Ensuring System Readiness

As of late February 2026, the specific, localized budget for the launch of the PhilHealth GAMOT program in Bukidnon has not been publicly announced; however, the launch depends on technical readiness. Officials will hold a pre-trial meeting to check internet stability and staff preparedness in participating facilities.

“We will not allow implementation in facilities that are not ready,” Lapuz said, adding that Bukidnon aims to replace manual paperwork with a digital system linking doctors and pharmacies. (AFFR/PIA-10/Bukidnon)