MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expanded its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), now covering 75 free medicines and adding cancer screening tests for four of the country’s most common cancers. 

The announcement was made on February 18, 2026, as part of PhilHealth’s continuing effort to strengthen preventive healthcare and widen access to essential treatments.

PhilHealth spokesperson Israel Francis Pargas explained that the expansion includes 54 additional medicines under the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program, bringing the total to 75. 

“We also have expanded the YAKAP program to include screening test po para doon sa four top cancers in the Philippines: iyon pong breast cancer, so mayroon tayong libreng chest mammography at saka po breast ultrasound,” Pargas said in a televised interview. He added that screenings for cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer are also part of the package.

Under the regular YAKAP package, members are entitled to free consultations, 13 laboratory tests, and 20 medicines. With the expansion, PhilHealth aims to provide more comprehensive outpatient care, particularly for conditions that are costly and life-threatening if detected late. 

The program is available to all PhilHealth members and their dependents, ensuring that preventive care and treatment are accessible across age groups.

The move has been welcomed by health advocates, who emphasize that early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates. By offering free screenings and medicines, PhilHealth hopes to reduce the financial burden on Filipino families and encourage more people to seek timely medical attention.

This expansion of YAKAP reflects the government’s broader commitment to universal healthcare and preventive medicine, aiming to build a healthier Philippines where access to essential services is not limited by financial constraints.

Image from PhilHealth