The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has temporarily narrowed the range of medicines available under its Alagang OWWA: Yakap at Gamot program, citing a system interruption affecting its coordination with PhilHealth’s YAKAP platform. During this period, only a fixed list of 21 essential drugs may be dispensed at participating OWWA facilities and partner outlets.
According to the advisory, the temporary adjustment applies to medicines commonly prescribed for infections, respiratory conditions, pain management, hypertension, diabetes, and other routine health concerns. The items currently covered include amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, oral rehydration salts, prednisone, salbutamol, fluticasone with salmeterol, paracetamol, gliclazide, metformin, simvastatin, enalapril, metoprolol, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, aspirin, and chlorphenamine.
OWWA clarified that the restriction is linked to the temporary unavailability of the PhilHealth YAKAP system, which supports the processing and validation of medicine claims under the joint healthcare arrangement. The agency said the measure is intended to keep services running while system issues are being addressed.
Alagang OWWA: Yakap at Gamot provides free medical consultations and medicines to overseas Filipino workers and their families, including active, inactive, retired, and repatriated members, as well as qualified dependents with valid PhilHealth coverage. Services are offered through regular “YAKAP Day” consultations at OWWA facilities, where prescriptions issued by accredited doctors may be filled at Alagang OWWA Botika or authorized partner pharmacies.
