House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package is just what Filipinos need, especially the less fortunate.

Slated to take effect on Aug. 21, the PhilHealth GAMOT package expands the initial 21 free medicines to 75, covering a wide range of conditions such as infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and other heart ailments, as well as nervous system disorders and other supportive therapies.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, commended President Marcos for his vision and guidance in directing the state health insurer to broaden healthcare services beyond inpatient benefits.

“The continued improvements to PhilHealth’s primary healthcare initiatives demonstrate the Marcos administration’s vow to make healthcare inclusive, responsive, and compassionate for all Filipinos. No one should have to fall sick or die because they were not able to get medical treatment,” he said.

Romualdez stressed that improved access to 75 free medicines at select clinics and pharmacies—with a yearly cap of ₱20,000 per member—is not just an economic relief, but also a vital step toward prevention and primary care, rather than expensive tertiary treatment.

“Marami tayong mga kababayan ang nagtititiis na lang sa kanilang karamdaman at hindi nagpapatingin sa doktor—hindi lamang dahil kailangan nilang magbayad para sa consultation fee at laboratory tests, kundi dahil dagdag gastos pa ang gamot na kailangan upang sila ay gumaling,” he said.

(Many of our fellow citizens endure their illnesses and choose not to see a doctor—not only because they have to pay for consultation fees and laboratory tests, but also because the medicine needed for recovery is an added expense.)

Romualdez noted that this problem affects not only poor Filipinos but also middle-class households.

“Kahit na sa mga may trabaho, pagsubok ang pagpapagamot lalo na sa mga chronic illnesses gaya ng sakit sa puso, diabetes, atbp. Mabigat pa rin sa bulsa ang pagbili sa mga gamot dahil isinasaalang-alang din ng mga middle class earners ang ibang gastusin gaya ng upa o bayad sa bahay, pagkain, at edukasyon ng kanilang mga anak."

(Even for those who are employed, seeking treatment is a challenge, especially for chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and others. Buying medicine remains a financial burden, as middle-class earners also have to consider other expenses like rent or housing payments, food, and their children’s education.)

Romualdez added: “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.”

(With the help of PhilHealth’s GAMOT package, the cost of purchasing medicine for our fellow citizens will be reduced, allowing them to use the money they save for other important expenses, or even set it aside for their future.)

According to him, Philhealth’s move to provide additional free medicines to its beneficiaries will encourage early medical consultations to address any health problems.

PhilHealth members may avail of the free medicines after registering under the PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) program through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth member portal, PhilHealth offices, and other official channels.

Beneficiaries must secure a prescription with a unique security code from a physician accredited under the GAMOT program before claiming the free medicines at partner clinics and pharmacies.

Currently, there are 4,300 GAMOT partner clinics nationwide. Initial partner facilities include: Vidacure (Muntinlupa City and Quezon City), Pharma Gen Ventures Corp. (Generika Drugstore) with branches in Parañaque, Navotas, Quezon City, and Taguig, CGD Medical Depot Inc. at Vertis North, and the Chinese General Hospital.