Healthtech social enterprise 1Life, Inc. has partnered with Singapore Diagnostics (SGD) to provide free laboratory tests to PhilHealth members enrolled in the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), a move aimed at improving access to preventive healthcare services across the country.
Under the partnership, YAKAP patients under 1Life may avail of nine diagnostic tests at no cost in 23 participating SGD branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by officials of 1Life and SGD in Pasig City.
The covered tests include complete blood count, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1C, urinalysis, fecalysis, fecal occult blood test, and creatinine testing, which are commonly used to detect diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular conditions.
The partnership seeks to address barriers to early disease detection, particularly in geographically isolated and financially challenged communities.
“This partnership significantly expands our ability to bring preventive healthcare closer to communities that have historically had limited access to quality diagnostics,” 1Life President Niño Namoco said in an e-mail interview.
“For many Filipinos, especially those in geographically isolated or financially challenged communities, the cost and availability of laboratory testing often become barriers to early diagnosis. By removing those barriers, we can detect diseases earlier, intervene sooner, and prevent avoidable complications that are much more difficult and expensive to treat later,” he added.
YAKAP is PhilHealth’s preventive healthcare program that provides screening and early intervention services to members and their dependents regardless of age. As an accredited YAKAP provider, 1Life facilitates access to these benefits through its healthcare network.
Mr. Namoco said awareness remains one of the main challenges in increasing the use of preventive healthcare services.
“We have seen growing interest from communities once people understand that these preventive services are available through PhilHealth at no cost. However, awareness remains one of the biggest challenges,” he said.
“Many Filipinos are still unfamiliar with the preventive benefits they are entitled to, including laboratory screening before symptoms appear. This highlights the importance of stronger information campaigns and community engagement,” he added.
According to Mr. Namoco, preventive healthcare plays a critical role in addressing the country’s growing burden of chronic diseases.
“Many of the country’s leading causes of illness — including diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease — develop gradually and often show few symptoms until complications occur,” he said.
“When these conditions are detected early through routine screening, patients have a much better chance of managing them before they become life-threatening or require hospitalization.”
He added that free diagnostic services can generate savings for both patients and the healthcare system over time.
“Early diagnosis almost always leads to more affordable treatment. Detecting disease before complications develop allows patients to receive timely medical intervention, reducing the need for emergency care, prolonged hospitalization, or costly specialist treatments,” Mr. Namoco said.
“For patients, this means lower out-of-pocket expenses and fewer disruptions to their livelihood. For the healthcare system, it means fewer preventable hospital admissions and more efficient use of healthcare resources.”
Founded in 2013, SGD operates more than 60 locations nationwide and serves over 600 hospitals and clinics. The company is the country’s first College of American Pathologists-accredited diagnostic facility.
Looking ahead, Mr. Namoco said 1Life intends to broaden its healthcare offerings through additional partnerships.
“We are continuously exploring opportunities to expand both the range of laboratory services and the healthcare solutions available through strategic partnerships,” he said.
“Our long-term goal is to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem that seamlessly connects patients to consultations, diagnostics, disease screening, pharmacy services, and continuous follow-up care.” — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba
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