PhilHealth 6 pays 2 million GAMOT claims

PhilHealth Regional Office VI has paid a total of 2 million benefit claims for outpatient medicines to 2,826 beneficiaries across Western Visayas under the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, or GAMOT, program.

The claims were paid following the official launch of PhilHealth GAMOT on March 16, 2026, marking the initial rollout of the program in the region.

PhilHealth GAMOT is an expanded outpatient drug benefit under PhilHealth YAKAP, or Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which aims to reduce out-of-pocket spending on medicines and ensure continuous access to essential treatment.

Under the program, PhilHealth members and their dependents may avail themselves of up to PHP 20,000 worth of free medicines per year.

The medicines cover treatment for common acute and chronic conditions, including infectious diseases, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyslipidemia, nervous system disorders, pain management, allergy treatment, and other necessary support therapies.

“Preventive care works best when medicines are accessible, enabling early treatment and better health outcomes,” said Lazaro T. Tabsing, head of PhilHealth Region VI, adding that there are already 69 GAMOT providers and 210 YAKAP clinics accredited across the region serving as access points for primary care services.

Tabsing said sustained investment in strong primary care services remains crucial in preventing the onset and progression of chronic diseases.

He cited PhilHealth data showing that chronic kidney disease and other preventable conditions, such as pneumonia, hypertensive emergency, stroke infarction, and upper respiratory tract infection, rank among the top causes of paid claims.

At present, 7,988 patients are undergoing hemodialysis in the region.

PhilHealth said many of these cases are linked to unmanaged noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other lifestyle-related chronic conditions.

The GAMOT program forms part of PhilHealth’s broader push to strengthen primary care by improving access to maintenance medicines and outpatient treatment before illnesses become more severe and costly.

Health officials have long emphasized that better access to medicines at the primary care level can help reduce hospital admissions and improve long-term outcomes for patients with chronic disease.