PhilHealth Gamot Introduces 75 Free Medicines
Filipinos can now benefit from 75 types of medicines available for free at select clinics and pharmacies, thanks to the new Philippine Health Insurance Corp. initiative. The program, known as the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) package, offers a yearly coverage limit of P20,000.
This expansion on the PhilHealth Gamot package aims to ease the financial burden on patients by covering a wider range of outpatient medicines. Officials reported that the program builds upon the existing Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) benefits, which initially provided 21 free medicines. With Gamot, an additional 54 medicines are now included, taking effect starting August 21 under PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0013.
Wide Range of Conditions Covered
The medicines covered by PhilHealth Gamot address common health conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart diseases, and nervous system disorders. Community members noted that the package also includes supportive therapies, ensuring comprehensive outpatient care.
How to Avail PhilHealth Gamot Benefits
To access the free medicines under the PhilHealth Gamot package, beneficiaries must first register under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit (Yakap). Registration can be completed through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth online portal, at PhilHealth offices, or via other official channels.
After registration, a prescription from a Yakap or PhilHealth-accredited physician is required. Patients need only to present a government-issued ID along with the prescription at any Gamot partner clinic or pharmacy to avail of the benefits.
Availability and Partner Facilities
PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado shared that there are approximately 4,300 Gamot partner clinics nationwide where members can access the program’s benefits. For Metro Manila residents, the program also extends to partner pharmacies, though these are currently limited to the capital region.
“As for the pharmacies, since we had just launched, they are only located in Metro Manila for now. So, just give us some time, because every day we are able to add more,” Mercado explained during the launch event, emphasizing ongoing efforts to expand pharmacy partnerships.
Ensuring Safety and Trust in the System
Officials highlighted that the system supporting PhilHealth Gamot is designed to protect both patients and providers. Mercado added, “With our launch today, we were able to show the system. Hopefully, our partners were able to pay attention [and see] that the system is safe and good. They feel protected and not abused. So, we think [the number of partners] will go higher.”
By addressing one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses—medical goods like medicines—PhilHealth Gamot hopes to significantly reduce the financial strain on Filipino families seeking outpatient treatment.
For more news and updates on PhilHealth Gamot, visit Filipinokami.com.
