IN THIS time of coronavirus pandemic, the presence of health workers in the barangays is crucial to ensure that people, including in remote, underserved areas, can avail themselves of proper medical attention. Barangay health workers or BHWs fill the gap brought about by the dwindling number of health workers due to continued migration of nurses and doctors for better opportunities abroad.
Taking care of our BHW is in keeping with the vision to provide universal healthcare access to all citizens. It is also consistent with the duty of the State to protect and promote the health of its citizens and to instill health consciousness among them.
But despite the significant role of barangay health workers, their work is primarily anchored on volunteerism and many do not receive remuneration. In 1995, Republic Act 7883 (Barangay Health Workers and Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995) sought to provide incentives to them in recognition of their services. It specified that BHWs are entitled to hazard and subsistence allowance; trainings, civil service eligibility, free legal services, and access to loan services. However, it did not provide fixed rates for allowances, and local government units vary in the rates and benefits they provide. Consequently, many BHWs become underpaid and receive far less than what their other counterparts get.
What happened to House Bill (HB) 4277 filed some four years ago to enhance the benefits and incentives of BHWs in recognition of their important role and the work they do, especially during disease outbreaks that most often emerge in remote areas and during natural calamities?
The proposed measure mandates fixed monthly honoraria and a floor or a minimum for hazard and subsistence allowances, in addition to other incentives. This is to ensure that BHWs in different localities receive reasonable amounts of allowances. The additional benefits are a long-overdue set of incentives especially considering the continuing inflation.
But it appears HB 4277 was not given the much needed attention by our legislators.
Barangay health workers are the government’s frontliners in the delivery of basic health services, including health and nutrition education; family planning services; maternal, newborn, and child healthcare; and promotion of good hygiene and sanitation practices. In barangay health centers, they provide assistance and support to physicians, nurses and midwives. They are indispensable in the provision of primary health care in communities. Let us take good care of them, too.
