PhilHealth Gamot Package Promotes Early Medical Consultations
House Speaker Martin Romualdez voiced strong support for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, known as the PhilHealth Gamot package. Officials reported this initiative aims to encourage beneficiaries to seek early medical consultations by easing the cost of medicines.
Launched last Thursday, the PhilHealth Gamot package expands coverage from 21 to 75 free medicines, with an annual limit of ₱25,000. Community members noted these medicines are available at selected clinics and pharmacies under the Konsulta benefits program. This new offering will take effect on August 21, as outlined in PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0013.
Addressing Financial Barriers to Healthcare
Romualdez highlighted that many Filipinos avoid medical consultations due to the high costs of doctor’s fees, laboratory exams, and medicines. “Sa tulong ng GAMOT package ng PhilHealth, maiibsan ang mga gastos sa pagbili ng gamot ng ating mga kababayan at magagamit nila ang perang nalikom para sa iba pang mahalagang gastusin, o hindi kaya ay maitatabi nila ito para sa kanilang kinabukasan,” he said.
He explained that this program will relieve the financial burden for those living paycheck to paycheck and managing chronic illnesses, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Wide Range of Medicines Covered
The PhilHealth Gamot package includes medicines for common ailments such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart conditions, nervous system disorders, and other supportive therapies. Local health officials emphasized the importance of these medicines in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes.
Encouraging Preventive Healthcare
Romualdez stressed that the Gamot package motivates Filipinos to seek timely medical advice and treatment. “Mas maeenganyo sila na magpatingin para gumaling o ma-manage ang kanilang karamdaman. Pahahalagahan nila ang preventive at primary healthcare bago pa lumala ang kanilang mga sakit, at maiingatan ng ating pamahalaan ang yamang-kalusugan ng ating kapwa Pilipino,” he shared.
This proactive approach helps prevent illnesses from worsening, ultimately preserving the nation’s health resources and improving quality of life.
How to Avail the PhilHealth Gamot Package
Beneficiaries must first register under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit through the eGovPH app, PhilHealth’s online portal, or at any PhilHealth office, according to health officials. To receive free medicines, they need a prescription from a Yakap or PhilHealth-certified physician.
When visiting Gamot-accredited facilities, beneficiaries must present one government-issued ID along with their prescription to avail of the medicines at no cost.
For more news and updates on Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, visit Filipinokami.com.
