The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has made its first payment under the Guaranteed Access to Medicines and Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program to CGD Medical Depot Inc., a retail pharmacy in Quezon City. This milestone marks PhilHealth’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible medicines to all Filipinos, a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
GAMOT is an enhancement to PhilHealth’s primary care benefit, YAKAP, adding 54 essential medicines to the existing list of 21. These medicines are designed to treat a range of conditions, including infections, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth Acting President and CEO, emphasized the significance of the payment. “Hindi lang ito basta bayad sa serbisyong ipinagkaloob ng ating partner pharmacy. Ito ay pagtupad sa pangako na gawing abot-kamay ang gamot sa nangangailangan nito.” (This is not just a payment for the service provided by our partner pharmacy. This is a fulfillment of the promise to make medicine accessible to those who need it.)
PhilHealth has partnered with FDA-licensed pharmacies nationwide to ensure convenient access to prescribed medicines. To avail of the benefits, members can use the eGovPH mobile app to register, select a YAKAP Clinic, choose a Primary Care Provider, and schedule a First Patient Encounter.
As of September 3, 41 GAMOT facilities are operating in the National Capital Region, with more expected to join soon. An updated list of accredited facilities can be found on the PhilHealth website https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/partners/providers/facilities/accredited/GAMOT.pdf
