PhilHealth has officially launched an expanded ‘Konsulta’ package under its YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan) Program, now covering 75 essential medicines, up from the previous 21.
Ray Baleña, Acting Vice President for Corporate Affairs of PhilHealth, revealed the development during an exclusive interview on DZRH’s “Maynila Ito ang Pilipinas,” hosted by Leth Narciso. According to Baleña, the expanded list of medicines aims to support the primary healthcare needs of millions of Filipinos, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses.
The enhanced Konsulta package now includes a wide range of medications, such as:
- 21 types of antibiotics
- 2 anti-blood clotting drugs
- Maintenance medications for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol
- Respiratory medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pain relievers like aspirin
All of these and more are accessible through the network of YAKAP-accredited primary care providers and pharmacies.
How to Avail of Free Medicines?
To avail of the free medications, members must:
- Register with a YAKAP-accredited clinic, which serves as their designated primary care provider.
Get assessed by a doctor at the clinic. If a prescription is given from the list of covered medicines, the member can claim the medicine at an accredited pharmacy. - Registration and clinic selection can be done via the eGovPH app, PhilHealth Member Portal, or by visiting the nearest PhilHealth office.
Baleña also clarified that the medication is for the registered patient only and not transferable. Digital prescriptions are used to track and validate medicinal claims at accredited drugstores.
Annual Limit and Coverage
Each PhilHealth member is entitled to a ₱20,000 annual limit under the Konsulta package, covering both consultations and medications. However, Baleña assured that this amount is maximized through negotiated prices with partner pharmacies, ensuring affordability even if members exceed the cap.
“Kung saka-sakali man na kukulangin yung 20,000 ay yung mga susunod na mga pagbili ng gamot ay subject pa rin sa negotiated price at hindi sa regular price,” explained Baleña.
Is It for Everyone?
Yes. Baleña stressed that the YAKAP program is designed not only for those who are sick but also for healthy individuals seeking preventive care.
“Para po itong YAKAP program sa lahat ng Pilipino, hindi lang sa mga maysakit, may nararamdaman na kundi para ito lalo’t higit sa mga malulusog na mahalaga po itong primary care,” Baleña emphasized, encouraging all Filipinos to take advantage of accessible medical services.
“Mahalaga po iyon dahil yun po ang ating nilalayon na dapat tayong lahat ay naalagan ng ating mga primary care provider,” Baleña added.
YAKAP is aligned with the Universal Health Care Law, under which all Filipinos are considered automatic PhilHealth members. However, individuals must still register to receive a PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to access services.
For individuals not yet registered with PhilHealth, membership can be processed through the eGovPH app or by visiting any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office. During registration, new members may also select their preferred YAKAP clinic to begin accessing primary care services immediately.
Baleña further explained that PhilHealth plans to expand the program nationwide. Baleña assured that updates on new accredited pharmacies and YAKAP clinics in the provinces will be regularly announced through the official PhilHealthOfficial Facebook page and website: www.philhealth.gov.ph or directly at PhilHealth YAKAP: Yaman ng Kalusugan Program.
Currently, eight pharmacies in Metro Manila are accredited to dispense medicines under the program. These include Generika Drugstore branches in Parañaque City, Navotas City, Quezon City, and Taguig City, as well as Vertis North Depot, Vitacure branches in Alabang and Cubao, and the Chinese General Hospital pharmacy.
In addition to medicines, the YAKAP program also includes cancer screening services, with 14 participating hospitals already onboard.
