A proposed measure seeking to provide Filipinos with free annual medical checkups is being pushed in the House of Representatives through House Bill 2239 filed by Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Yamsuan.

Yamsuan said regular checkups can help prevent illnesses and reduce the financial burden of hospitalization by detecting health issues early. He stressed that preventive care is a proactive step toward avoiding severe and costly medical conditions.

Under the bill, the free yearly checkup would cover medical consultations, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, with the possibility of expanding services depending on the availability of PhilHealth funds.

The lawmaker noted that while the Department of Health continues to strengthen benefit packages for the public, including middle-income workers, through the Zero Balance Billing scheme, accessible preventive healthcare remains essential.

In Parañaque, Yamsuan has already initiated a similar program called “Yaman ng Kalusugan,” or YAKAP, which provides residents with free medical checkups as a model for the proposed nationwide policy.