ANGELES CITY — For many Filipinos, a cancer diagnosis often comes too late. But with Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) now part of PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), early detection may finally be within reach – without the financial burden.
Starting Oct. 20, SHMC will begin offering free cancer screening services under the YAKAP package, including tests for breast, liver, colon, and lung cancer. The initiative is part of PhilHealth’s expanded primary care benefit, designed to catch illnesses early and reduce long-term treatment costs.
“Cancer is largely preventable and treatable when caught early,” said Dr. Maria Josefina Tan SHMC’s medical director. “This program allows us to reach more patients before the disease progresses.”
YAKAP expands the earlier Konsulta (Konsultang Sulit at Tama) package to include more comprehensive diagnostics, streamlined patient navigation, and phased access to subsidized medicines under the GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) initiative.
At SHMC, patients can now avail themselves of free cancer screening under PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program, including tests for breast (2D mammogram and ultrasound), liver (AFP and ultrasound), colon (fecal test and colonoscopy), and lung cancer (low-dose chest CT).
To access these services, patients must register with SHMC at their YAKAP Clinic and undergo a first patient encounter (FPE) for a doctor’s order.
For 58-year-old barangay health worker Lorna, the program is a game-changer. “Marami sa amin ang takot magpa-check-up dahil sa gastos,” she said. “Ngayon, libre na. Hindi na kami maghihintay ng sintomas bago kumilos.”
SHMC’s inclusion in the YAKAP network is especially significant for Central Luzon, where access to specialized cancer care remains limited. With its advanced technology—including linear accelerators, breast tomotherapy, and image-guided therapy—the hospital offers a one-stop-shop model that reduces delays and improves outcomes.
Beyond diagnostics, SHMC provides a full-circle care approach: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, pain and nutrition management, psychological support, and palliative care. Its close referral loop and patient navigation system ensure that patients receive timely, coordinated care.
While full GAMOT medicine benefits are still being phased in outside the National Capital Region, SHMC currently offers 21 out of the 75 listed medicines under the program. Broader access is expected by 2026.
For Dr. Tan the launch is both a milestone and a mission. “We’re not just treating patients—we’re building a culture of prevention. And that starts with making care accessible.”
As PhilHealth continues to expand its YAKAP network nationwide, SHMC stands as a model of how public-private partnerships can deliver preventive, compassionate, and comprehensive care—one patient at a time.
