LAOAG CITY, July 1 -- Residents here have gained access to free healthcare services through PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), an initiative that brings essential medical services closer to communities and improves access to quality healthcare.

In one of the program services, at least 50 pre-registered women availed of free Pap smear assistance on Wednesday, in time for the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) Day celebration, which forms part of the Laoag City General Hospital's (LCGH) 15th anniversary.

From July 1 to 3, the LCGH will offer a range of free services for both male and female PhilHealth members, including medical consultations, dental assessments, basic laboratory tests, blood pressure and blood sugar screeni...