PhilHealth Urges Wider YAKAP Enrollment to Boost Free Outpatient Services in La Union

Lifestyle | Health & Family Posted on 2026-04-28 01:32:35

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is calling on more members to register under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) to expand access to free outpatient consultations, laboratory tests, medicines, and preventive health services under the Universal Health Care program.

The appeal comes as PhilHealth reported that only about half of its beneficiaries in La Union are currently enrolled, limiting the reach of services aimed at strengthening community-based and preventive healthcare.

PhilHealth-La Union head Raymund Maningding encouraged members to sign up, emphasizing that the program is designed to bring essential health services closer to communities.

“We encourage everyone to enroll so that health services can be brought closer to every community,” he said.

He added that through local YAKAP centers, members can already access:

• Laboratory tests
• Medicines
• Health and cancer screening services
  without the need for hospital confinement.

Members may register through:

• eGovPH app
• PhilHealth Member Portal
• Any PhilHealth office
• Accredited YAKAP clinics

Those not yet registered must first secure a PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to access benefits.

Once enrolled, members can visit their chosen YAKAP clinic for consultation and initial care. Laboratory services may be done:

• On-site, or
• Through partner diagnostic facilities

Prescribed medicines are processed under the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) system, where patients can claim medications from accredited pharmacies using a prescription or QR code.

PhilHealth reminded the public that GAMOT providers are clearly marked to guide beneficiaries.

The program includes a wide range of diagnostic and preventive tests, such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC) with platelet count
• Lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
• Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
• HbA1c (blood sugar monitoring)
• Creatinine test (kidney function)
• Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG)

It also covers disease screening services, including:

• Sputum microscopy
• Urinalysis and fecalysis
• Pap smear
• Fecal occult blood test

Health officials highlighted the program’s importance, especially in underserved areas.

Dr. Roben Ledda Jr. of the Municipal Health Office of Santol said the initiative provides vital medical support even without hospitalization.

“PhilHealth YAKAP and GAMOT are a big help to our constituents, especially in communities with limited economic capacity,” he said.

He added that patients can feel PhilHealth’s support even outside hospital settings.

PhilHealth also encouraged members to return regularly for follow-up consultations to ensure proper monitoring of their health.

For assistance, members may contact PhilHealth Ilocos through its official Facebook page or email.

Through expanded participation in YAKAP, PhilHealth aims to:

• Strengthen preventive healthcare
• Promote early disease detection
• Reduce reliance on hospital-based care

Ultimately, the program seeks to make essential health services more accessible at the community level.

NPO News Team | PIA Philippine Information Agency - PR

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