PhilHealth vows action on GAMOT prescription woes at YAKAP clinics

State insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) assured Thursday it is taking steps to address struggles in securing prescriptions through the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) clinics under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) primary care package.

In a statement, PhilHealth said it is taking reports on difficulties "seriously" and that it is implementing steps to address these.

"Our review shows that delays in access stem from administrative and readiness requirements that providers need to complete before they can provide GAMOT prescriptions. While many of our YAKAP Clinics are fully prepared, some still need time to finalize these processes," PhilHealth said.

Acknowledging that "navigating" the processes "can take time," PhilHealth assured that it is "taking every measure" to speed up completion.

It said it is working with YAKAP clinics to:

• Provide technical support and automated tools
• Conducting onsite validation to ensure every YAKAP is ready to serve
• Monitoring daily compliance so issues can be addressed immediately

"Filipinos deserve better, and we want you to know what we've learned and what we're doing to address it," PhilHealth said.

"Your health and peace of mind matter to us. We're committed to making sure that every YAKAP Clinic is fully equipped to provide you with the seamless service you deserve—because your access to medications should never be a worry," they added.

PhilHealth's GAMOT program offers 75 free medicines for eligible beneficiaries under the YAKAP initiative.

The medicines may be availed through YAKAP-accredited clinics with which PhilHealth members are registered. 

Qualified beneficiaries may also undergo screening tests for the country's four leading cancers for free.

Launched by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in July 2025, the YAKAP is an expansion of the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta), bringing in additional primary and outpatient care initiatives of PhilHealth, including medicines, check-ups, and basic laboratory tests.

To avail of YAKAP benefits, download the eGov mobile app to register to PhilHealth YAKAP, or register through other channels like the PhilHealth member portal (www.philhealth.gov.ph), PhilHealth local health insurance office, or any PhilHealth-accredited primary care provider. 

Meanwhile, PhilHealth advised those still having problems accessing GAMOT at their clinics to call its 24/7 corporate action center at (02) 86622588 or email actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph

— VDV, GMA Integrated News