BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) announced Monday that the region is prepared to implement the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program, which allows members to access up to PHP20,000 worth of medicines charged to PhilHealth.
In a press conference, Dr. Glenn Cornelio Lamsis, head of PhilHealth-CAR’s Healthcare Delivery and Management Division, said the region is ready to dispense medicines to members prescribed through Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) facilities.
A total of 42 GAMOT-accredited providers across Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province can supply 75 types of generic medicines. Accreditation of additional pharmacies is ongoing.
Patients must present a YAKAP-issued prescription and an availment slip to access medicines, which are consumable and not convertible to cash.
Branded medicines are not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.
“The patients have to have a YAKAP facility doctor-issued prescription, which they can avail of in the GAMOT-accredited pharmacies. These are consumable and not for cash dole out. The medicines are generic and not branded but if the patient opts for a branded medicine, they will have to shell out as the program cannot cover the more expensive branded ones,” he said.
PhilHealth-CAR Regional Vice President Dr. Dominga Gadgad said there are 118 YAKAP clinic providers offering consultations, screenings, 13 laboratory services, and 21 medicines.
She said most illnesses —along with select cancer screening procedures— are covered.
Some municipalities still lack YAKAP clinics due to the absence of a resident doctor.
Gadgad underscored efforts to improve health-seeking behavior, adding that many people visit health facilities only when already ill. Outreach efforts aim to raise awareness of PhilHealth benefits under universal healthcare.
PhilHealth reported that 992,974 Cordillera residents are now registered under YAKAP, with 375,399 availing of the program’s first-patient encounter.**Liza Agoot
