IBA, Zambales (PIA) — Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) members in Zambales can now receive essential outpatient medicines at no additional cost after San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH) launched the Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program on March 12.
The GAMOT program of PhilHealth provides up to P20,000 worth of medicines per member annually through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
As the first GAMOT-accredited pharmacy in the province, SMDH provides PhilHealth members and their qualified dependents access to 54 essential outpatient medicines, helping patients manage common illnesses and chronic conditions without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
The launch was led by Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Corazon Flores, PhilHealth Acting Vice President Emily Roque, SMDH Chief of Hospital Cresencio Gonzales Jr., and PhilHealth Olongapo Head Lheny Fajardo.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., represented by 2nd District Board Member Jun Rundstedt Ebdane, expressed the provincial government’s continued commitment to strengthening health services in the province.
“Ang kalusugan ng Zambaleño ang isa sa pokus ng ating pamahalaang panlalawigan. Sama-sama po nating ipagpatuloy ang adhikaing ito, isang Zambales na mas malusog, mas ligtas, at mas handa sa kinabukasan,” Ebdane said.
He emphasized the continued efforts and strong collaboration among the DOH, PhilHealth, and the Zambales provincial government in delivering accessible and affordable health services for residents.
Roque said PhilHealth supports SMDH in rolling out the GAMOT program to expand access to medicines for members.
“Nandito kami upang magbigay ng suporta sa ating SMDH sa launching ng GAMOT upang mapalaganap ang programa ng PhilHealth at makilala ng bawat Pilipino na ngayon ay may libreng gamot na sa PhilHealth amounting to P20,000 per year,” she said.
She added that the program will help residents obtain the medicines they need without difficulty.
“Ngayon hindi na mahihirapan ang mga taga-Zambales sa pagbili o pagkuha ng mga gamot na kailangan nila para sa kanilang mga sakit. Kailangan lang nila pumunta dito mismo sa pharmacy sa San Marcelino District Hospital kasama ang kanilang mga reseta,” Roque explained.
Roque also encouraged PhilHealth partners and stakeholders to continue supporting the YAKAP and GAMOT programs to expand access to essential health services and medicines for Filipinos.
Other partner hospitals in Zambales, including President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital, Ospital ng Sta. Cruz, Candelaria District Hospital, and Dr. Florentino Doble Memorial Hospital, are also supporting the rollout of the GAMOT program in coordination with PhilHealth Olongapo and Iba.
SMDH continues to provide free health screenings, consultations, and laboratory services through its YAKAP services, helping identify patients who may need treatment and access to medicines under the GAMOT program.
PhilHealth encourages residents to register or update their membership, choose a primary care provider, and maximize their health benefits to ensure timely treatment and better health outcomes.
The GAMOT program supports the national government’s efforts to strengthen universal health care by improving access to affordable medicines for Filipinos. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
