The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched a program offering members up to P20,000 pesos in free outpatient medicines annually, as the government moves to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs for millions of Filipinos.
PhilHealth rolled out its Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment program, known as GAMOT, in Central Visayas on Feb. 17, 2026.
The program covers 75 essential medicines, including treatments for hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases.
The program is part of the national government effort called the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, or YAKAP, which aims to expand primary care access outside Metro Manila.
Members and their legal dependents are eligible for the full annual subsidy after being evaluated at one of 240 accredited YAKAP clinics in the region.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, speaking at the launch ceremony at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, called the regional rollout a significant step in decentralizing healthcare access.
“This is a significant move in expanding access to medicine beyond Metro Manila,” Herbosa said.
PhilHealth Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto said the program directly addresses the financial burden many Filipinos face when purchasing maintenance medicines, a cost that often leads patients to skip doses and eventually require emergency hospitalization.
Sixty-four providers have been accredited under GAMOT in the region. Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro voiced support for the program, saying reducing financial barriers is essential to improving public health outcomes in the province.
The launch comes as the Philippine government pushes for full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.
PhilHealth said the benefit is ongoing, not a one-time subsidy, and encouraged members to maintain regular consultations for long-term disease management.