YAKAP in UCMed Kalusugan Center

I needed a break from writing columns about the corruption scandals in DPWH and the ongoing ICI investigations, that may lead to uncovering bigger amounts stolen, and involving more government officials, that I looked for government programs/projects that work. I stumbled onto government health services that seem to be doing well and getter better. At our age, my wife and I visit doctors and hospitals quite often for consultations and procedures, and enjoy the benefits provided by PhilHealth and senior citizens coverage and discounts.

Recently, I was invited to the UCMED Medical Center, one of the four hospitals we patronize, for the inauguration of PhilHealth’s YAKAP program in the Kalusugan Center of the hospital. While the YAKAP program has been in government hospitals, it is now available in private clinics and hospitals. This is good and advantageous, as YAKAP in hospitals like UCMED have better diagnostic facilities, physicians and medicines which are free under the YAKAP program, and immediate access to urgent care or hospitalization if necessary. This program also includes the PhilHealth’s “GAMOT” project which provides free drug benefit package for outpatients.

There is another government health program that is a great help and benefitting many Filipinos. This is the MALASAKIT program. This was created by Republic Act 11463, to coordinate the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to provide medical assistance to indigents and financially-incapacitated persons. It pays for doctors, hospitals, diagnostic fees, and medicines. The documentary requirements are many but surmountable with the help of good barangay officials. This is quite popular with the masses especially those not yet covered by PhilHealth. An incumbent senator got elected last election by identifying and riding on this Malasakit program.

Another DOH and PhilHealth program that is successful and getting more traction, especially now with the typhoons, floods, and earthquake in the Philippines that is causing injuries, diseases, and other health problems on the people, is the “zero balance” billing for Filipinos in certain economic classes. Any Filipino who is a PhilHealth member, (which are now about 70% of the population under the Universal Health Care Program), who will be admitted to the charity ward of any government hospital, will not be made to pay for any of the services and fees of the hospital or zero billing. So, financially challenged Filipinos injured or sick are free in all government hospitals. But not those who are just sick and tired of corrupt government officials.

On the whole, the feedback from the public and those that have enjoyed the existing health and hospitalization programs of the government are more than positive. While all these health and wellness Philippine government programs/projects may need integration and coordination to remove duplication, simplify access and make it more efficient and effective, they really deserve more funding. They could use all the recovered ill-gotten wealth that the ICI/DOJ/AMLA can recover from the DPWH contractors, government officials, and politicians.

DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth and the PCSO have had their share of anomalies and corruption, especially in the overpriced supplies procurements, and wastage of resources, but relative to the other government departments and programs, their performance in the health and wellness mandate deserves a passing mark.

I am encouraging all our employees and all those PhilHealth members to register in the YAKAP program. You can actually do this online with your smart phone through the eGov portal or you can go to UCMED’s KALUSUGAN Center or clinics or hospitals accredited by YAKAP to register.