PhilHealth Expands Outpatient Care Program, Offers Free Cancer Screenings
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is expanding its Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) program nationwide before the end of 2026, providing members with access to up to P20,000 worth of free outpatient medicines annually. Alongside this expansion, PhilHealth is also offering free screening tests for four major cancers in the Philippines through its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap).
Gamot Program Expansion
PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Israel Pargas announced the nationwide expansion plan on Thursday, February 20, 2026 to The Manila Times. The Gamot program, initially launched in Manila in 2025 and subsequently rolled out in Cebu on February 17, 2026 as reported by SunStar, aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for long-term medication for chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
To access the Gamot benefit, members or their dependents must first consult with an accredited Yakap physician. The physician will then issue a prescription, which can be presented along with identification at an accredited Gamot provider to receive the necessary medications.
Free Cancer Screening Under Yakap
In addition to the Gamot program, PhilHealth has broadened the Yakap program to include free screening tests for four prevalent cancers in the Philippines as detailed by GMA Network:
- Breast Cancer: Free mammography and breast ultrasound
- Liver Cancer: Free Alpha-fetoprotein tests
- Lung Cancer: Free low-dose chest CT scans
- Colorectal Cancer: Free colonoscopy screening
PhilHealth is currently evaluating additional benefits to incorporate into the Yakap program.
Program Details and Access
The Gamot program covers 75 essential drugs. In Central Visayas, Gamot providers include Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital, Clinica Prime (with partner pharmacy La Nueva), and the University of Cebu Medical Center.
Looking Ahead
PhilHealth aims for the full nationwide implementation of the Gamot program within 2026 , continuing its efforts to enhance outpatient care and improve access to essential healthcare services for its members.