BUTUAN CITY — Caraga State University (CSU) has expanded its campus health services with the recognition of its University Center for Health and Wellness (UCHW) as the first university-based PhilHealth YAKAP provider in the Caraga Region. Located at the Old Administrative Building on the CSU Main Campus, the facility gives eligible students, faculty members, and university personnel access to primary healthcare services within the campus. The recognition was granted on November 10, 2026, followed by a ceremonial launch on November 12, marking a new step in the university’s efforts to make healthcare more accessible to its academic community. Through the partnership, CSU is extending its role in supporting not only education but also the health and well-being of the people within its institution.
Campus-Based Healthcare Brings Services Closer
The center is supported by one PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP physician and three nurses, with doctors from the university’s School of Medicine also contributing to its medical services. Eligible and registered beneficiaries may access covered checkups and consultations, giving them a convenient option for addressing routine health concerns and seeking medical advice. The facility operates from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing members of the university community to visit during its scheduled service hours. Its location within the campus also makes primary care more accessible to students and employees who might otherwise need to seek consultations outside the university.
YAKAP-GAMOT Provides Access to Covered Medicines
Patients who require medication may also benefit from PhilHealth’s Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package. Under the program, qualified beneficiaries can receive covered essential medicines free of charge, subject to the PHP20,000 annual benefit limit. The package covers 75 essential medicines, with prescriptions dispensed through accredited pharmacies, including AZ Pharmacy in Barangay Tiniwisan, where CSU patients may claim their prescribed medicines. Medicines not included in the benefit package and expenses exceeding the annual limit may still require out-of-pocket payment, in accordance with PhilHealth rules.
The establishment of the YAKAP center highlights how universities can help bring public healthcare programs closer to their communities. By linking campus-based consultations with access to covered outpatient medicines, CSU provides eligible beneficiaries with a more accessible route to preventive care and treatment. The facility also connects the university’s medical resources with PhilHealth’s broader primary healthcare network, strengthening the support available to students, faculty, and personnel. As the center begins serving its beneficiaries, it adds another layer to CSU’s commitment to creating a healthier and more supportive learning environment.
