Marcos launches PhilHealth's YAKAP to expand health coverage

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), an initiative aimed at expanding health services for Filipinos, on Friday.

The program now offers expanded coverage for medicines and screenings, including 75 medicines from the previous 54 available and six cancer screening tests.

Marcos emphasized that high mortality rates in larger hospitals are often due to patients' distance from healthcare facilities, underscoring the importance of bringing primary care closer to communities.

PhilHealth plans to streamline registration and consultations through digitalization, encouraging Filipinos to download the eGov mobile app or use other channels like the PhilHealth Member Portal for convenient access.

With a P20,000 credit line available for minor illnesses, YAKAP aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and prevent hospital overcrowding.