PhilHealth spotlights YAKAP primary care gains

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) highlighted its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) during this year’s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) Month celebration, emphasizing primary care as the foundation of accessible and equitable health care for Filipinos.

“Ngayong Buwan ng Pambansang Segurong Pangkalusugan, pinalalakas natin ang primary care upang masiguro na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay may agarang access sa napapanahon, dekalidad, at komprehensibong serbisyong pangkalusugan sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP,” said PhilHealth President and CEO (PCEO) Dr. Edwin M. Mercado.

PhilHealth said YAKAP provides members access to consultations, selected laboratory services and essential medicines through accredited primary care providers.

The agency said the program encourages families to register with a primary care provider to support continuous health monitoring, early detection and preventive care.

PhilHealth said these services can help reduce avoidable hospitalizations and improve health outcomes by addressing issues earlier in the care pathway.

As of January 2026, PhilHealth recorded 26.75 million Filipinos empaneled under the program.

PhilHealth also recorded 40.01 million YAKAP clinic selections in 2025.

PhilHealth recorded 21.72 million YAKAP clinic selections in 2026, reflecting member engagement with chosen primary care providers.

NHIP Month is observed under Presidential Proclamation No. 1400, series of 2007.

PhilHealth said the monthlong observance highlights its role in promoting social solidarity and financial risk protection while strengthening primary care.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s health reforms and the Universal Health Care Law, PhilHealth said its role has evolved from financing hospital-based services to acting as a strategic purchaser of health services across the continuum of care.

PhilHealth said this approach supports automatic coverage and access to essential health services for all Filipinos.

PhilHealth marks its 31st anniversary on Feb. 14 as it joins the nationwide observance of NHIP Month with the theme “Ka-YAKAP ang Pilipino sa Kalusugang Segurado.”

PhilHealth said it remains committed to sustaining primary care gains and expanding access nationwide.

“Ito ang aming mandato: Sa Bagong Pilipinas, mayroon tayong Mabilis, Patas at Mapagkakatiwalaang PhilHealth,” PCEO Mercado concluded.