CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — Access to free essential medicines has expanded for residents following the formal launch of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Guaranteed and Accessible Medication for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) Program in Cabanatuan City.
Through the program, PhilHealth members can now access up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines annually, prescribed through YAKAP-accredited clinics and dispensed at PhilHealth-accredited pharmacies under the GAMOT program.
PhilHealth Regional Office III Acting Vice President Ma. Emily Roque said the initiative aims to ease the financial burden experienced by many Filipinos who often delay medical treatment due to the high cost of medicines.
“With the YAKAP and GAMOT programs, many Filipinos—especially residents of Cabanatuan City—now have help in getting protection against illness,” Roque said.
She encouraged the public to visit YAKAP-accredited clinics for consultation and prescription so they can avail themselves of the GAMOT program benefits, including the annual ₱20,000 worth of free medicines.
Roque also noted that the program rollout will continue across Nueva Ecija, with other rural health units expected to follow as more facilities submit their accreditation requirements.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth Regional Office III-B Acting Branch Manager Arlan Granali said the initiative strengthens the agency’s primary healthcare program by ensuring that patients receive not only medical consultation but also the medicines prescribed for their treatment.
“All Filipinos can avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits, whether they have contributions or not. As long as you are a Filipino citizen, you can avail of benefits,” Granali said.
Granali explained that to avail themselves of the GAMOT program, an individual must first visit a YAKAP-accredited center for consultation and obtain a prescription.
The patient will be referred to a partner pharmacy accredited under GAMOT program, where the prescribed medications will be dispensed.
He added that all medicines under the program follow the generic drug policy and are available through PhilHealth-accredited pharmacies, whether government- or privately owned.
In Cabanatuan City, there are currently 18 accredited YAKAP clinics and six pharmacies accredited under the GAMOT program.
Cabanatuan City Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara expressed her support for the initiative, stating that the benefits of PhilHealth programs are truly being experienced by the public, which is the most important measure of government service, as it demonstrates how these programs are positively impacting the lives of constituents.
“This program is very important because it allows residents to access medicines without worrying about whether to prioritize food or medication,” Vergara said.
The city government is working to expand accredited facilities, including health centers, by hiring pharmacists to help implement the program.
For beneficiaries like Vilma Padilla, a 58-year-old government employee, the GAMOT program provides significant relief from the financial burden of long-term medication.
Padilla, who takes multiple medicines daily due to several health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart complications, shared that she previously had to buy only half of her prescribed medicines due to limited income.
“When the GAMOT program was piloted, and I received my medications during a check-up, I felt very happy because I no longer had to worry about purchasing them,” she said.
Padilla expressed hope that more Filipinos will learn about the program and benefit from the assistance it provides.
PhilHealth officials also thanked the local government of Cabanatuan City and partner pharmacies for supporting the initiative, emphasizing the agency’s continued commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to essential healthcare services. (CLJD/CNG, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
