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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PSAC cites gains of PhilHealth YAKAP, GAMOT programs under Marcos admin

PSAC cites gains of PhilHealth YAKAP, GAMOT programs under Marcos admin

Published May 14, 2026 12:55 pm  |  Updated May 14, 2026 01:02 pm

At A Glance

  • The Private Sector Advisory Council cited progress in PhilHealth's YAKAP and GAMOT programs
  • Around 1.6 million patients have benefited from zero balance billing in 87 hospitals
  • PhilHealth also reported faster claims processing and expanded healthcare coverage
Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare 10th meeting with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO)
Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare 10th meeting with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO)

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector has welcomed the progress of PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program and other healthcare reforms under the Marcos administration aimed at easing the financial burden of Filipino families.

During the 10th meeting of the PSAC Healthcare Sector with President Marcos in Malacañang on May 13, the group reviewed developments in healthcare programs, including stronger PhilHealth support, faster reimbursements, broader patient coverage, and expanded access to medicines through the YAKAP and GAMOT initiatives.

“What is important is that healthcare reforms are felt by Filipinos in practical ways,” PSAC Lead Convenor Sabin Aboitiz said.

“The stronger PhilHealth support, faster reimbursements, broader coverage, and expanded access to medicines through the GAMOT and YAKAP programs are helping reduce the financial burden on Filipino families,” he added.

Zero balance billing

Data presented during the meeting showed that, as of February 2026, at least 87 hospitals had implemented zero-balance billing programs under YAKAP.

The program has so far served around 1.6 million patients and covered approximately P95 billion worth of hospital bills.

Meanwhile, the PhilHealth GAMOT Program has accredited 2,026 pharmacies nationwide.


As of May 2026, the program had served more than 171,000 beneficiaries and dispensed around P238.23 million worth of medicines.

Faster reimbursements

The PSAC Healthcare Sector also cited PhilHealth’s ongoing information technology transformation efforts, which reportedly improved claims processing and healthcare access.

According to PhilHealth, claims processing turnaround time improved by 46 percent, reducing reimbursement waiting periods from around two months to as low as two weeks.

Beneficiary coverage also increased by 65 percent compared to 2023, equivalent to an additional 8.7 million Filipinos served.

‘Real difference’

Paolo Borromeo, president and chief executive officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. and chief social infrastructure officer of Ayala Corporation, said the reforms are beginning to deliver tangible results for patients.

“PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program demonstrates that meaningful healthcare reform is possible when government and the private sector work together,” Borromeo said.

“The progress in faster reimbursements, expanded coverage, and reduced out-of-pocket spending is already making a real difference in the lives of Filipino patients,” he added.

More reforms discussed

The PSAC Healthcare Sector also discussed the need to sustain reforms in healthcare digitalization, system modernization, accelerated Food and Drug Administration approvals, pharmacy reforms, and adaptive healthcare facility regulations.

The group said these reforms are expected to encourage greater investment and public-private partnerships in the health sector.

PSAC said it would continue to provide recommendations to President Marcos and coordinate with government agencies to advance healthcare reforms focused on affordability, accessibility, and quality of care.

Related Tags

Healthcare Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) PhilHealth YAKAP PSAC GAMOT
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