1Life, Singapore Diagnostics extends free lab tests to PhilHealth members

Healthtech social enterprise 1Life, Inc. has partnered with Singapore Diagnostics (SGD) to offer free laboratory tests to PhilHealth members enrolled in the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), a move aimed at improving access to preventive health services nationwide.

Under the partnership, YAKAP patients under 1Life may receive nine free diagnostic tests at 23 participating SGD branches throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by officials of 1Life and SGD in Pasig City.

Tests covered include complete blood count, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1C, urinalysis, fecal analysis, fecal occult blood test, and creatinine test, which are commonly used to detect diabetes, kidney disease, and heart conditions.

The partnership aims to address barriers to early diagnosis, particularly in geographically remote and financially challenged communities.

“This partnership greatly increases our ability to bring preventive health care closer to communities that have had limited access to quality diagnostics,” said 1Life President Niño Namoco in an email interview.

“For many Filipinos, especially those in isolated or financially challenged communities, the cost and availability of laboratory tests are often barriers to early diagnosis. By removing those barriers, we can detect disease early, intervene quickly, and avoid preventable complications that are more difficult and costly to treat later,” he added.

YAKAP is PhilHealth’s health protection program that provides screening and early intervention services to its members and beneficiaries regardless of their age. As an authorized YAKAP provider, 1Life facilitates access to these benefits through the healthcare network.

Mr. Namoco said awareness remains one of the biggest challenges in increasing the use of preventive health services.

“We have seen a growing interest from the communities when people understand that these preventive services are available through PhilHealth for free. However, awareness is still a big challenge,” he said.

“Many Filipinos are still unaware of the preventive benefits they are entitled to, including laboratory tests before symptoms appear. This highlights the importance of strong information campaigns and public relations,” he added.

According to Mr. Nevertheless, preventive health care plays an important role in addressing the country’s growing burden of chronic diseases.

“Many of the leading diseases in the country including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart disease – develop slowly and often show few symptoms until they become complications,” he said.

“If these conditions are caught early through regular 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 save both patients and the health care system in the long run.

“Early diagnosis is likely to lead to less expensive treatment. Detecting diseases before problems develop allows patients to receive timely medical intervention, reducing the need for emergency care, long hospitalization, or expensive specialist treatment,” said Mr. Namoco.

“For patients, this means lower out-of-pocket costs and fewer disruptions to their livelihoods. In the health care system, it means fewer preventable hospital admissions and more efficient use of health services.”

Founded in 2013, SGD operates in more than 60 locations across the country and serves more than 600 hospitals and clinics. The company is the nation’s first diagnostic center accredited by American Pathologists.

Looking ahead, Mr. Namoco said 1Life aims to expand its healthcare offering through more partnerships.

“We continue to look for opportunities to expand the range of laboratory services and healthcare solutions available through strategic partnerships,” he said.

“Our long-term goal is to create an integrated health care system that connects patients through consultation, diagnostics, disease screening, pharmacy services, and ongoing follow-up care.” – Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba