Residents of the Davao Region can now access accredited healthcare providers more swiftly and conveniently with the official launch of PhilHealth Yakap Maps. This innovative digital platform, built on Google Maps, consolidates and displays all accredited PhilHealth Yakap Clinics and Gamot Facilities across the region, marking a significant step in improving healthcare accessibility.
Enhancing Healthcare Access Under Universal Health Care
In alignment with PhilHealth's ongoing efforts to bolster access to quality healthcare through the Universal Health Care program, the PhilHealth Regional Office 11 has introduced the Yakap Maps. Lawyer Harvey L. Carcedo, Regional Vice-President of PhilHealth-Davao, emphasized that this tool is designed to streamline the process for members seeking medical services, ensuring they can easily locate facilities without hassle.
Launch Event and Program Integration
The launch of Yakap Maps coincided with the regional unveiling of Yakap PhilHealth, also known as the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which was initiated in 2025 under the theme "Progress in Focus: Enhanced PhilHealth Benefit Packages and the Outpatient Mental Health (OMH) Package." This event, organized through PhilHealth's Pulse initiative—Promoting UHC through Linkages, Synergy, and Engagement—brought together local government officials, government agencies, and medical professionals to reaffirm their commitment to universal health care and expanded primary care access for Filipinos.
Understanding the Yakap Program
Yakap, which stands for "Yamang Alagang Kalinga sa Ating Pamilya," serves as PhilHealth's flagship program, offering essential primary care services. These include:
- Consultations and preventive health checks
- Maternal care and other medical interventions
- Integration with the PhilHealth Gamot initiative, providing access to up to 75 essential drugs
The Gamot program, or Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, ensures members have annual coverage of up to P20,000 per member, with no co-payment required at accredited pharmacies, thereby reducing financial barriers to medication.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare
Dr. Grace Amistoso, PhilHealth-Davao OIC-Assistant Regional Director, previously highlighted that the Yakap program reinforces the primary healthcare approach by enabling every Filipino to access essential medical services without financial hardship. Additionally, the program has expanded laboratory and diagnostic procedures, increasing coverage from 13 to 19 tests to support early detection and mitigate the burden of preventable diseases. These services are now available through a growing network of accredited Yakap clinics, pharmacies, and health facilities nationwide.
How Yakap Maps Works
The PhilHealth Yakap Maps empowers Dabawenyos to locate partner clinics and pharmacies effortlessly using mobile phones, tablets, or computers. By accessing an official link or scanning a QR code provided by PhilHealth, users can navigate the digital map to find nearby accredited facilities. Authorities urge all beneficiaries in the region to utilize this tool to make informed healthcare decisions and fully maximize the benefits available under the Yakap and Gamot programs.
Benefits and Future Impact
By centralizing facility information, the digital map aims to:
- Reduce confusion and improve efficiency in accessing healthcare services
- Help residents promptly obtain preventive and essential care
- Reinforce PhilHealth's goal of bringing quality healthcare closer to the people
This initiative is expected to enhance overall healthcare delivery in the Davao Region, supporting PhilHealth's broader mission of universal health coverage and improved public health outcomes.
