SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental (PIA) — PhilHealth-10 trained 35 barangay health workers (BHWs) in Misamis Occidental on Sept. 8 to help residents understand and access primary care benefits under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
The Social Health Insurance Education Series (SHINES) gives BHWs information and skills to explain YAKAP benefits and how to enjoy them.
Newly installed PhilHealth Northern Mindanao Acting Regional Vice President Henry V. Almanon said the training aims to help communities make full use of PhilHealth programs.
“Sila ay hindi dapat nahihiya sapagkat ito ay kanilang karapatan at obligasyon ng gobyerno na ito ay ipagkaloob sa kanila. Ito po ay libre. Kaya ‘wag pong magpatumpik-tumpik at ’wag nang hintayin mag-emergency at 50-50 na at nasa ospital na. Iwasan natin yung confinement. Kaya magpa-YAKAP na kayo,” he said.
(They shouldn’t hesitate or feel ashamed, because healthcare is their right, and it is the government’s obligation to provide it. This is completely free. Let’s not hesitate, and let’s not wait for an emergency where a patient is already in critical condition at the hospital. We want to avoid unnecessary confinement—so enroll in YAKAP today.)
Almanon said the training went beyond lectures. Participants also gave teaching demonstrations to check their knowledge and skills in explaining the YAKAP package and its availment process.
“This is an intensive program that goes beyond mere lectures,” Almanon said. “We will also require them to conduct teaching demonstrations to assess their confidence and competence where they can educate their neighbors, relatives, and fellow barangay residents on the exact process to fully access and benefit from the PhilHealth YAKAP package.”
Under YAKAP, consultations, cancer screenings, and medicines are free at accredited YAKAP provider clinics.
YAKAP centers provide 21 basic medicines. Another 54 specialized medicines may be prescribed and claimed for free at partner pharmacies nationwide.
The GAMOT package has an annual limit of P20,000 per member, fully covered by PhilHealth.
“We are actively seeking partners to help explain these benefits to our communities in simple, accessible terms,” Almanon said. (JMOR/PIA Misamis Occidental)
