PhilHealth, BJMP seal partnership to xxpand healthcare access for Persons Deprived of Liberty

by Info @Brand Zone | October 13, 2026

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PR No.: 2026-26 / October 13, 2026 

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Bureau of Jail Managementand Penology (BJMP) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure that Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) across the country are registered with PhilHealthandcanaccesscomprehensive healthcare benefits. 

This agreement is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery for more than 80,000 PDLs in 28 BJMP facilities nationwide through the accreditation of BJMP clinics and the provision of PhilHealth benefits including services under the YAKAP program. 

The MOA was signed by PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive OfficerBeverlyLorraine C. Ho, MD, MPH, and BJMP Jail Director Efren A. Nemeño, DPA, TLPE, underscoringthe commitment of both institutions to advancing health equity and improving healthcareaccessfor one of the country's most vulnerable sectors.

“Universal Health Care means everyFilipino,including those in detention. Through partnerships like this, PhilHealth is workingalongsideour fellow government agencies to make sure that no Filipino is left outside the reachofcare,”said PhilHealth APCEO Dr. Beverly Ho. 

Reinforcing the significance of the partnership, Jail Director Efren A.

Nemeñosaidthat“Byensuring the automatic enrollment of our PDLs under the National Health InsuranceProgramand facilitating seamless health care access across our facilities, PhilHealth has helpedbridgelong-standing gaps in public health service for one of our nation's most vulnerablepopulations”. 

The PhilHealth-BJMP partnership marks a significant step toward providing equitableaccesstohealthcare and reinforcing the government's commitment to safeguarding the healthandwelfareof all Filipinos, including those in custodial facilities.

Through this collaboration, bothagenciesaim to strengthen healthcare delivery in jail facilities and contribute to the realizationofamoreinclusive and responsive health system under Universal Health Care.