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PhilHealth Rolls Out Outpatient Cancer Screening Tests

  • BULGAR
  • Aug 9

by Info @Brand Zone | August 9, 2025



PhilHealth PR No. 2025-35 - August 8, 2025 


To help reduce cancer-related deaths and ease the financial burden on Filipino families, PhilHealth will begin covering selected outpatient cancer screening tests under its new YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) starting August 14, 2025. Many Filipino patients, especially family breadwinners, face higher risks of premature death from breast, lung, colon, and liver cancer compared to their Asian neighbors. These losses translate to an estimated P35.3 billion in economic impact each year. 


Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, with Globocan 2022 reporting nearly 189,000 new cases and over 113,000 deaths. According to the World Health Organization, early detection can increase survival rates up to 99 percent for breast cancer and over 90 percent for cervical cancer. 


The initiative was announced by Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado during the nationwide launch held at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, one of the accredited cancer screening facilities in the country.  


“Sa pamamagitan ng bagong benepisyong ng PhilHealth para sa outpatient cancer screening, mas pinalawak natin ang akses ng bawat Pilipino sa maagang pagtuklas ng kanser. Hindi na  kailangang mag-atubili na agarang magpa-screening dahil ang serbisyong ito ay para sa  lahat.” said the APCEO. 


This initiative directly strengthens cancer prevention and promotes early detection nationwide, fully supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for Universal Health Care, as highlighted in his recent State of the Nation Address. 


The new benefit packages cover essential screening procedures for breast, lung, liver and colorectal cancers, with the following rates: 

● Mammogram at Php 2,610 

● Breast Ultrasound at Php 1,350


● Low Dose Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Scan at Php 7,220 

● Alpha Fetoprotein at Php 1,230 

● Liver Ultrasound at Php 960 

● Colonoscopy at Php 23,640 


To avail of this benefit, members must first register at their chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic.  Following a thorough medical assessment, their primary care doctor will then issue a valid prescription to refer the member to an accredited cancer screening facility. 


For more details on benefits and services, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917- 1275987 or 0917-1109812. ### 



 
 

PhilHealth joins 2025 Post-SONA Confab, Reaffirms Support to PBBM's Health Agenda

  • BULGAR
  • Jul 30

by Info @Brand Zone | July 30, 2025



PhilHealth Press Release 2025-34 - July 30, 2025



On July 28, 2025, following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), heads of government agencies convened at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City. This two-day event was designed to offer a more comprehensive and in-depth discussion of the Administration's accomplishments, building on the President's address. 


As one of the crucial agencies ensuring the nation's health security, PhilHealth actively participated in the third and final cluster on the first day, joining the Department of Health, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Department of Social Welfare and Development. 


PhilHealth Spokesperson and Senior Vice President for Health Finance Policy Sector Dr.  Israel Francis A. Pargas thoroughly discussed PhilHealth's revitalized primary care benefit package, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or PhilHealth YAKAP. This program stands as a tangible representation of the President's vision for ensuring every Filipino's health and well-being. 


PhilHealth YAKAP offers an expanded package of accessible health services, including medicines, check-ups and basic laboratory tests. In the coming weeks, members will see even greater benefits, six critical cancer screening tests will be activated, alongside access to 54 additional medicines under the strengthened PhilHealth GAMOT (Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) will be made available. This significantly widens the scope of care available to members. 


As the Marcos Administration enters its 4th year under the banner of "Bagong Pilipinas," Filipinos can expect continued programs to build a nation where lives are better, healthier, and truly secured. 


Dr. Pargas concluded the forum on an inspiring note, emphasizing a powerful vision for healthcare in the nation: “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, mayroon tayong Mabilis, Patas at  Mapagkakatiwalaang PhilHealth”.


 
 

PhilHealth and DOLE Seal Partnership for Workers Welfare

  • BULGAR
  • Jul 28

by Info @Brand Zone | July 28, 2025



PhilHealth PR No. 2025-32 - July 25, 2025

 

In a major step towards improving workers welfare, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote the PhilHealth YAKAP among the Philippine workforce. Led by PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado and Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma — with Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go and DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez as witnesses, this initiative aims to enhance workers’ access to primary care. As of June 4, 2025, over 386,000 employees all over the country are expected to benefit from the program.


The PhilHealth YAKAP is an enhanced primary care benefit package providing coverage for consultations, indicated laboratory and cancer screening tests, and prescribed essential medicines designed to promote prevention and early disease detection to help curb financial hardship for the members.


The MOA cements the commitment of both agencies to work together in expanding primary care services through information campaigns, capacity-building activities, and strategic engagement with employers, industry groups, and labor organizations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing that the partnership between DOLE and PhilHealth reflects the administration’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino worker is empowered, protected, and provided with essential healthcare service.


For more details on benefits and services, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.



 
 
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