PhilHealth to members: Avail of Yakap vs dengue as rainy season begins

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is encouraging its members who experience early symptoms of dengue fever to take advantage of the primary care benefit offered through its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap).

Norlinda Castillo, chief social insurance officer in Masbate, said on Wednesday that enrolled individuals can access medical consultations, laboratory services, certain medications, and diagnostic tests at over 4,000 clinics nationwide, all of which are listed on the PhilHealth website.

“If dengue symptoms like fever occur, consult a doctor at PhilHealth-accredited Yakap clinics,” Castillo said.

Rey Millena, officer-in-charge of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Bicol Center for Health Development, said that complications from dengue can be prevented if patients receive timely medical care.

He noted a potential rise in various illnesses, including dengue, during the southwest monsoon season, highlighting the importance of early treatment to avoid severe complications.

“We have intensified our anti-dengue campaign to ensure proper treatment, promote effective disease prevention, encourage early consultations, and guide the public in making informed health decisions,” Millena stated at a press conference in Daet, Camarines Norte, on June 4.

John Dominic Bolunia, an insect scientist with the DOH’s National Aedes-Borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program in Bicol, pointed out that common signs and symptoms of dengue include a high fever lasting two to seven days, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting.

Castillo said that PhilHealth members should register at Yakap clinics for assessment by physicians.

The physicians can then prescribe necessary procedures or outpatient medications, with coverage of up to P20,000.

She said that the Yakap package expands on the services previously offered under PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama, or Konsulta package.

The new primary care package includes benefits such as the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) program, which provides free medicines up to P20,000 annually, as well as selected outpatient cancer screening tests.

Castillo noted that many Filipinos refrain from seeking medical treatment due to high consultation fees, laboratory costs, and the price of medications.

With the help of PhilHealth’s Yakap and Gamot package, the financial burden of medical consultation and purchasing medicines will be alleviated, enabling individuals to allocate their funds to other expenses or save for the future, she added.

“They will be more encouraged to seek medical consultations or treatment,” Castillo said. “They will begin to value preventive and primary healthcare before their conditions worsen, allowing the government to better care for their health.”

She concluded by emphasizing that the PhilHealth Yakap aims to shift mindsets and behaviors regarding health by providing accessible primary care services to Filipinos.

“Whether or not we are ill, we should seek health assessments and consultations,” she said.

The expansion of PhilHealth services is part of the efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the provision of comprehensive health services to all Filipinos. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)

This undated photo taken in Sorsogon City shows security guards enrolling in the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, also known as Yakap, offered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Image from PhilHealth Masbate