The Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI) on March 12, Thursday launched the Philhealth YAKAP free primary care services at the SSS Diliman Branch, making free consultations, laboratory tests, and access to 75 essential medicines available to registered PhilHealth members starting today.
The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between PPPI and Life Saver Medical Services, a PhilHealth-accredited provider, formalizing the delivery of PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Program through the Pambansang Botika at the SSS Diliman Branch. Services began immediately upon signing, pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to bring healthcare services closer to every Filipino.
Under the agreement, Life Saver will provide free consultations, diagnostic services and free medicines to YAKAP-registered beneficiaries at the Pambansang Botika. PPPI, which operates the Pambansang Botika pharmacy at SSS Diliman, will serve as the direct medicine supplier to Life Saver, ensuring the continuous availability of the 75 essential medicines covered under the YAKAP Program.
“The opening of the Pambansang Botika in the SSS Diliman Branch is the result of the collaboration of both public and private sectors in establishing a complete and comprehensive healthcare service program. Currently, we are concentrating on linking PPPI’s pharmacy services with the YAKAP Program of PhilHealth to provide comprehensive healthcare services as directed by our President,” said Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin, President and CEO, Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc.
The SSS Diliman Branch receives approximately 5,000 member and pensioner visits daily per SSS records. The co-location of YAKAP services within the branch means eligible beneficiaries can access free healthcare during the same visit they make to transact with the SSS with no additional trip required.
“With the establishment of the Pambansang Botika in the SSS Diliman Branch, we have expanded the services that our pensioners may avail of. Now, our pensioners may avail of free primary care services and free medicine when they visit our Diliman Branch,” said Robert Joseph M. De Claro, President and CEO, Social Security System
While SSS pensioners and members are the primary beneficiaries at the SSS Diliman site, YAKAP services are open to all registered PhilHealth members. Walk-in Filipinos who are not yet registered under the YAKAP Program may register on-site, or through the eGovPH App, the PhilHealth Member Portal, or any PhilHealth office.
SSS members and walk-ins who wish to avail of YAKAP services at SSS Diliman will be assisted from registration, to consultation with a YAKAP physician and signing the YAKAP Empanelment Slip, so beneficiaries will have full access to the program’s benefits. Existing YAKAP registrants who have selected a different clinic may still claim their free medicine allocations at the SSS Diliman Branch.
