The rollout of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) in the city is expected to boost healthcare services for residents, the city’s Health Services Office (HSO) said on Tuesday.

“Hindi lang ito programa, ito ay simbolo ng compassion, ng hope, unity (this is not just a program but a symbol of compassion, hope, unity),” City Health Officer, Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, said in an interview.

Brillantes said starting this week, five district health centers will implement the YAKAP and GAMOT initiatives, offering consultations, cancer screening, 13 laboratory services, and free access to 75 basic medicines — Aurora Hill Super Health Center, Atab District Health Center, City Camp District Health Center, Irisan District Health Center and Engineers Hill District Health Center.

Eleven other district health centers will follow suit once their accreditation for these programs is completed.

“This is a stronger commitment from us that always, health is wealth, and we want everyone to be always healthy,” she added.

Dr. Dominga Gadgad, regional vice president of Philhealth Cordillera, said these programs show the qualities of a responsive healthcare system — accessible, continuous, and centered with the needs of the people.

Department of Health-Cordillera regional director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative.

“This is good news for Baguio City, because it strengthens what matters most in healthcare, which is access.”

She said that by bringing YAKAP and GAMOT to DOH-licensed facilities, “we are strengthening the Primary Care Provider network in Baguio, which is important because it is where healthcare should begin.”

YAKAP helps families get consultations, selected laboratory services, screening, and guidance at the primary care level while GAMOT strengthens continuity of treatment by improving access to essential medicines. (PNA)