House OKs on second reading bill providing for magna carta of barangay health workers

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading the measure providing for a magna carta for barangay healthcare workers.

House Bill 10699 was approved via voice vote during the plenary session. The term barangay health worker refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited government and non-government organization and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the community.

The bill said the barangay health workers should be registered with the local health board in the city or municipality in which they render service. To further professionalize the healthcare services they render, a duly-registered barangay health worker must also be accredited.

Under the measure, all barangay health workers who are actively and regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria of not less than P3,000 subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value, in addition to incentives and other benefits.

The benefits include hazard allowance, privileges of barangay health workers like discounts, subsistence allowance, transportation allowance, one-time retirement cash incentive, as well as training and career enrichment programs.

The barangay health workers can also avail free health services including surgery, x-ray and laboratory works during their incumbency.

The bill also prohibits discrimination of a barangay health worker, by reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious and political beliefs, and ethnic groupings.

In order to protect barangay health workers, the Department of the Interior and Local Government is mandated to provide a grievance mechanism for them in case they have concerns and complaints. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News