The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is hoping to accredit more providers, including pharmacies and cancer screening laboratories in Western Visayas, as it expands its primary care services under its YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit) program.
“If we remember with Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama), we’ve been covering the usual consultation, medicines, and laboratories. But with our PhilHealth YAKAP right now, this is already the expanded version of our primary benefit package,” Janimhe Jalbuna, head of the public affairs unit of the state insurer in Western Visayas, said in an interview on Tuesday.
As of June 15 this year, PhilHealth Western Visayas (PhilHealth-6) has accredited 197 providers — 23 each in Aklan and Capiz; 29 in Antique; 11 in Guimaras; 48 in Iloilo province; 16 in Iloilo City; and 47 in Negros Occidental.
“Our Konsulta providers automatically will be our YAKAP providers. We have the same mechanisms to avail,” she added.
PhilHealth-6 has already registered over 2.6 million members and their dependents for the Konsulta program as of June 20.
Jalbuna explained that under the YAKAP initiative, the free checkup, counseling and referral will continue.
This time, however, she said PhilHealth will make available 75 drugs and medicines from only 21 in the previous program.
“Each member and dependent are allotted PHP20,000, the maximum coverage for outpatient drugs every year,” she said.
From 13 laboratory and cancer tests, the package increased to 19, including screening for breast, lung, liver and colorectal cancer.
She said they are also looking forward to accrediting pharmacies for the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT).
They are currently developing the GAMOT application, a web-based application that will be used by physicians and facilities when prescribing medication, validating prescriptions, and recording dispensing and monitoring facilities.
The GAMOT will take effect on Aug. 21, while the cancer screening is expected to be available anytime this month. (PNA)