100% PhilHealth coverage sought for all BHWs in Region XII

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (October 4, 2013) – The regional director of Department of Health (DOH) in Region XII expressed optimism that all Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in the region, who have not yet enrolled with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), would be covered within the year.

Dr. Teogenes Baluma, DOH XII Center for Health Development regional director, who served as a keynote speaker during the 9th BHW Regional Congress held at the Capitol Gymnasium in Alabel Thursday (October 3), said insurance is important for all barangay health workers.

He said BHWs are performing as reliable partners of the government in the delivery of health services to the people even in far-flung areas.

“Gi-una sa atong gobyerno nga ma-enroll sa PhilHealth ang mga aduna’y income nga P3,600 and below. Unta ma-realize nga karong tuig, ma-enroll na g’yud with PhilHealth ang tanang BHW sa region,” Baluma said.

PhilHealth creates a universal health coverage for the Philippines. It is a tax-exempt, government-owned and government-controlled corporation, and is attached to the Department of Health, insuring a sustainable national health insurance program for all.

“Dako gyud ang deperensiya kung naa’y PhilHealth ug mao ni among gusto nga kamong tanan cover gyud sa PhilHealth kay kamo gatabang aron mamahimong epektibo ang mga programa sa DOH. Sakit paminawon nga kung kamo magsakit, wala mo’y benepisyo nga makuha,” he said.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, in his inspirational message, said that the local government of Sarangani is committed to give whatever support needed by the BHWs in the province.

“Bug-at ang paningkamot sa local government aron mapadayon ug matagaan og mga programa ang mga barangay health workers. I salute you in serving our community,” Solon said.

He added the local government is also committed to upgrade health facilities to ensure that health programs will find their way to the barangays particularly in remote areas.

The Regional Congress of the BHW was held in Sarangani for the first time. A total of 3,185 participants from the five cities and four provinces of the region attended the congress, higher than the 2,500 expected participants.

The congress runs for two days from October 3 to 4 with the theme, “BHW: Serbisyong Dekalidad Para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”(Joy R. Sevilla/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)