Quezon city: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that more than 300 pharmacies across the nation have been accredited under the Guaranteed Access to Medicines for Outpatients and Treatment (GAMOT) Program. PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado shared this development during a media roundtable discussion, noting that as of September 30, 304 pharmacies are accredited nationwide, with 56 located in Metro Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, pharmacy chains initially took a cautious approach before deciding to participate in the program. Now, these chains are actively engaging with PhilHealth to have more of their branches accredited. The remaining accredited pharmacies are distributed throughout the country as part of a strategic phased rollout of the program. In Metro Manila, Phases 1 and 2 have already been implemented, with Phase 3 currently in its soft implementation stage. The state insurer plans to execute Phase 4 by the end of 2025 or early next year, selecting provinces that are ready to ensure smooth, sustainable, and beneficial implementation for local communities.
The GAMOT program is designed to complement the Yamang Kalusugan Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino (YAKAP) primary care initiative by providing registered members with affordable and accessible medicines from accredited pharmacies nationwide. PhilHealth reports that 36 million members are currently registered under YAKAP, with 8.87 million having completed their first patient encounter this year. This is in addition to the 6 to 7 million first patient encounters recorded last year, totaling 15 to 16 million active members accessing primary care services. PhilHealth aims to reach 50 million registered members and 20 million first patient encounters by the end of the year.
Mercado emphasized that all Filipinos are covered by Universal Health Care and therefore eligible for both the YAKAP and GAMOT programs. He assured that those who were previously enrolled in the Konsulta program and are now under a YAKAP facility do not need to re-register. The agency has allocated PHP15.3 billion for the YAKAP program and PHP2.9 billion for GAMOT this year. Currently, 75 essential medicines are available under GAMOT, based on the Department of Health’s Essential Drug List. PhilHealth is considering adding more medicines, with insulin prioritized for approval within the year.
Mercado also highlighted PhilHealth’s efforts to adapt its health services and medicine supply to address changing disease patterns related to climate change, such as the increasing cases of leptospirosis. To enhance awareness and visibility, PhilHealth Corporate Affairs Group Vice President Walter Bacareza mentioned that signages and mini-billboards will soon be installed at YAKAP and GAMOT facilities. These signages will help the public and media easily identify accredited facilities and will highlight available services, including primary care, free medicines, and cancer-screening programs.