LUCENA CITY – Strengthening its commitment to Universal Health care (UHC), Philhealth officially launched the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) in Region 4A last February 27, 2026 held at the Quezon Convention Center headed by DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa with Philhealth President and CEO, Dr. Edwin M. Mercado and Philhealth Regional Office IVA Acting RVP, Dr. Edwin m. Oriňa.
The event marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Philhealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), an enhanced primary care benefit package that shifts the focus of health care from curative treatment to preventive services.
A centerpiece of the launch is the operationalization of the Philhealth GAMOT, an app used to prescribe medications, validate prescriptions, record dispensing, and monitor performance of GAMOT facilities. Through the platform, YAKAP accredited physicians can issue electronic prescription that partner pharmacies can verify instantly. This digital innovation ensures that guaranteed medicines reach members faster, reducing paperwork and waiting times.
The event included a walkthrough of the YAKAP availment process with QPHN-QMC, as YAKAP and GAMOT Provider, including St. Hildegard Pharmacy Accredited GAMOT Provider.
Under the Philhealth GAMOT, members and their dependents can now access up to P20,000 worth of outpatient medicines annually which includes 54 Specialized Medicines accessible through accredited GAMOT-partner pharmacies for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Meanwhile, the 21 essential medicines under YAKAP continue to be available this year in YAKAP accredited primary care facilities nationwide.
The YAKAP program also includes expanded coverage for selected outpatient cancer screening, such as:
- Breast cancer (mammogram and ultrasound)
- Colorectal cancer (colonoscopu)
- Liver cancer (liver ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein test)
- Lung cancer screening
Philhealth highlighted that by integrating consultations, diagnostics, and medicines into a single primary care system, YAKAP and GAMOT shift the focus from reactive treatment to proactive health management.
Joining the launched were key representatives from various local government units, national government agencies, alongside accredited YAKAP and GAMOT providers from across the Quezon Province.
The Philhealth GAMOT rollout in Region 4A, in partnership with the Quezon Provincial Office, highlights strong collaboration with local governments, health facilities and GAMOT providers to bring accessible and affordable health services closer to communities.
To date, there are 256 YAKAP clinics in the region, of which 187 are YAKAP-ready clinics, which means that they have fully comply with all Philhealth readiness requirements. While, a total of 129 are Philhealth GAMOT facilities ready to dispense medications to members.
The strategic and phased implementation of the Philhealth GAMOT is hinged on the readiness and operational capacity of these YAKAP Clinics to provide the necessary medical care and prescriptions to member when needed.
Philhealth reminds the public that selection of YAKAP provider of choice may be done via the eGovPH mobile app or at any Philhealth Local Health Insurance Office. Assignment to a preferred YAKAP clinic provides immediate access to essential preventive services and GAMOT benefits, ensuring every family remains ‘malayo sa sakit’ through a proactive primary care.
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