BBM leads launch of PhilHealth enhanced primary care benefit package

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday rolled out an expanded version of PhilHealth’s primary healthcare benefits under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) — a revitalized initiative aimed at bringing essential health services closer to Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas.

Speaking at the program’s launch at Gateway Mall in Quezon City, Marcos said YAKAP Para Malayo sa Sakit enhances the former Konsulta program by widening coverage for medicines, laboratory tests, and cancer screenings.

“This isn’t entirely a new program, but a greatly expanded one,” Marcos explained. “We’ve seen that many patients in big hospitals die not because of a lack of treatment, but because they couldn’t get care early — mainly because our hospitals are too far from where they live.”

YAKAP now offers 13 laboratory tests, six cancer screening procedures, and 75 essential medicines, up from the previous 54. The program also promises more convenient access with digital registration and consultations through the eGov PH mobile app, PhilHealth’s online portal, or through accredited primary care providers nationwide.

“This expanded coverage is a big help to our people,” Marcos said. “And with the continued rollout of YAKAP, citizens will feel that their government is truly present and working to protect their health.”

The revamped YAKAP combines various primary and outpatient services under a single program — part of the administration’s push to make healthcare more preventive, inclusive, and responsive.