PhilHealth pulls all the stops for students, teachers with YAKAP
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) sought to strengthen health protection for students, teachers, and Department of Education (DepEd) staff through its YAKAP program ahead of the opening of the new school year on Monday, June 8.
This move is in line with President Marcos' directive for government ensure that public schools are ready and that the welfare of students is protected.
With YAKAP, essential health services are brought closer to schools and communities, allowing early detection and treatment of illnesses, reducing absences of students and parents due to sickness.
Schools are among the priority areas for YAKAP so that even at a young age, students receive regular guidance from their chosen Primary Care Provider on health care. With easier access to health services, they can focus more on their studies.
At present, 66 schools have benefited from YAKAP, with a total of 7,084 student, teacher, and staff beneficiaries. This number is expected to grow in the coming days through continued cooperation between PhilHealth and DepEd to promote healthier school communities.
Under YAKAP, beneficiaries may receive consultations, necessary laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and medicines based on the assessment and recommendation of their Primary Care Provider.
PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said, "Ang aming pakikilahok sa Brigada Eskwela ay higit pa sa paghahanda ng kanilang kapaligiran. Layunin naming makabuo ng isang matibay na proteksyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga mag-aaral."
(Our participation in Brigada Eskwela goes beyond preparing the environment. Our goal is to build strong health protection for our students.)
"Sa pamamagitan ng YAKAP, isinasakatuparan natin ang bisyon ng Pangulo na mabigyan ng kapanatagan ang mga magulang tungkol sa kalusugan ng kanilang mga anak bago pa man magsimula ang pasukan,” he noted.
(Through YAKAP, we fulfill the President’s vision of giving parents peace of mind about their children’s health even before classes begin.)
Registration for YAKAP can be done via the eGov App or at PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs).