The government is expanding access to preventive and primary healthcare to 26 million learners nationwide, along with teachers, nonteaching personnel and their families, through the YAKAP School Health and Protection Program.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Wednesday it signed a joint memorandum circular with the Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government for the nationwide implementation of YAKAP-SHP.

PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Beverly Lorraine Ho said the program aims to bring YAKAP services closer to families by making health care more accessible in schools.

“We’re targeting all 26 million learners including the teachers and non-teaching staff as well as their families,” Ho said.

Under the program, preventive health services will be delivered in public and private basic education schools, Community Learning Centers, Child Development Centers, other early childhood care and development facilities, and Inclusive Learning Resource Centers.

Learners, school personnel and out-of-school youth will have access to on-site YAKAP clinic services, routine health screenings, outpatient medicines and diagnostic tests. The program will also provide specialist care for developmental delays and care navigators to assist families with referrals and follow-up services.

The coverage includes early childhood learners, Alternative Learning System enrollees, children with special needs and those identified with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as basic education personnel.

The program will prioritize early detection and management of developmental delays and disabilities from birth through the school years.

YAKAP-SHP is aligned with Pillar I of the Unified National Agenda for Health, or UNA Para sa Kalusugan, and supports the government’s efforts to strengthen child health interventions.

It also complements the Department of Health’s Healthy Learning Institutions Program, which promotes health through school policies, services, facilities and systems.

The interagency initiative seeks to expand access to YAKAP services, establish a continuum of care and improve coordination, including financing, parental or guardian consent and referrals.

Parents, guardians and school communities are encouraged to participate in school-based orientation and empanelment sessions.

Families can also select or update their preferred YAKAP Clinic through the PhilHealth member portal. (PNA)