PhilHealth calls for early screening to prevent liver cancer, hepatitis complications

TheMonitorMidanaoToday.com | PhilHealth calls for early screening to prevent liver cancer, hepatitis complications

By: Gabriel D. Andres

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — In observance of Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month this January, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Northern Mindanao is calling for early screening and timely treatment to prevent liver-related illnesses and complications.

“Ngayong Liver Awareness Month, nais ipaalala ng PhilHealth sa ating mga kababayan na dapat pangalagaan natin ang ating atay,” said PhilHealth Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron II, emphasizing the liver’s role in detoxifying the body and eliminating waste.

Liver diseases, including hepatitis, often show symptoms only once the condition has significantly progressed. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these conditions can lead to long-term health damage and higher medical costs.

To address this, PhilHealth is enhancing preventive care and early diagnosis through its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which offers comprehensive benefit packages to lessen the financial burden on those affected.

Under the YAKAP program, members are entitled to free medical consultations, screening tests, and liver ultrasound from accredited service providers in the country.

Aseron stressed that early detection enables more effective and affordable treatment.

“Sa ilalim ng PhilHealth YAKAP, mas pinapalakas ang maagang pagtuklas at pag-iwas sa malubhang sakit sa atay, kabilang ang liver cancer. Dahil sa maagang pagsusuri, mas maagap ang gamutan at mas magaan ang pasanin ng ating mga miyembro,” he said.

In Northern Mindanao, more than 200 YAKAP clinics are now operational, offering members greater access to early screening, consultation, and preventive care.

PhilHealth also provides financial coverage under its benefit packages for the treatment and management of Chronic Viral Hepatitis (up to P23,010), Congenital Viral Hepatitis (up to P24,765), and complications resulting from viral hepatitis (up to P20,865).

“Hangad ng PhilHealth sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care na tunay na maramdaman ng bawat miyembro ang malasakit, sa pamamagitan ng paglayo sa sakit para maalagaan ang kalusugan, ang pagbabawas sa gastusin sa ospital, at higit sa lahat ang pagbibigay ng katiyakan na may kaagapay sa gastusin ang bawat Pilipino sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Aseron added.

PhilHealth reiterated its call for early intervention and reminded the public that many liver diseases can be prevented through hepatitis vaccination, healthy eating, and regular exercise. (GDA/PIA-10)

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