Mayor Abby Binay today said that the city-run Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) has been providing free chemotherapy sessions to 8,980 patients since 2020. This initiative is part of Makati’s unwavering commitment to healthcare, offering critical support to cancer patients through the city’s Yellow Card program, she said.
“Since 2020, we have served nearly 9,000 patients with free chemotherapy at OsMak. We aim to ensure that every Makatizen receives the healthcare they need without worrying about the cost. We are here to support our residents in their fight against cancer, “ Mayor Abby said.
Mayor Abby explained that because PhilHealth only covers a fraction of the cost of chemotherapy, the city has taken additional steps to subsidize the remaining expenses, regardless of the cost.
“Chemo is more expensive than dialysis because the type of medicine needed varies from patient to patient. We have patients with bills over P130,000 for a single session, and Philhealth only covers a maximum of P7,280 pesos. Most cancer patients cannot afford that, but our Yellow Card holders pay absolutely nothing,” the mayor explained.
In December 2023, a 56-year-old patient from Barangay Palanan incurred a chemo session bill of P138,002.37, covering medicine, lab procedures, and supplies, without any cost to the patient. Similarly, on March 15, 2024, a 65-year-old woman from Guadalupe Nuevo had her treatment expenses of P132,824.40 entirely covered by the city.
The mayor emphasized that the health of Makatizens is a top priority, and the city is dedicated to removing financial barriers to essential medical services.
The majority of chemo patients at OsMak are being treated for breast cancer for females and prostate cancer for males. Sessions can either be weekly or every two weeks.
The Yellow Card, officially known as the Makati Health Plus Program, is a pioneering healthcare initiative providing comprehensive medical benefits to registered residents. These benefits include free chemotherapy, unlimited dialysis, maintenance medicines, routine check-ups, and laboratory and diagnostic procedures.
By providing free chemotherapy and other essential medical services, Makati has set the bar high for healthcare services in the country.
