PhilHealth partners with drugstore chain to expand free medicines

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has partnered with Southstar Drug to expand access to free medicines and educate Filipinos on the proper use of generic drugs.

The “Kasama sa Pag-Galing” campaign, launched last month, aims to educate communities about generic medicines, prescription reading, proper over-the-counter medication use, and refill planning.

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Southstar Drug was formally accredited as a partner pharmacy under PhilHealth’s Gamot (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) benefit package under the Yaman ng Kalusugan (Yakap) program.

Launched in August 2025, the PhilHealth Gamot package expanded the initial list of 21 free medicines to 75, with an annual limit of P20,000 at select clinics and pharmacies.

The program covers medicines for common conditions, including infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart conditions and nervous system disorders, as well as other supportive therapies.

To avail of the Gamot package, beneficiaries must first register for the Yakap program through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth member online portal, or PhilHealth offices.

They must obtain a prescription from a Yakap or PhilHealth-certified physician and present it, along with a government-issued ID, at any Gamot facility to receive free medicines.

Through the partnership, Southstar Drug stores will also assist Yakap beneficiaries in understanding their Gamot privileges and connecting with Yakap-accredited doctors and facilities. /mcm