Anakalusugan calls for better pay, benefits for BHWs
A LAWMAKER has pushed for higher compensation and better benefits for barangay health workers (BHWs) who are at the forefront of delivering healthcare services in communities.
“As we continue to fight for the rights of our workers, let us also shed light on the plight of our Barangay Health Workers and push for the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers,” Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Ray Reyes said.
Reyes lamented how the BHWs do not enjoy the same rights and protection from the law as other professionals in the healthcare sector.
“Matagal na pong isyu na hindi sapat ang benepisyong nakukuha ng ating mga BHWs at nararapat lamang na bigyan natin ng karampatang suporta ang serbisyo na binibigay ng ating mga BHWs sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa kanayunan,” he added.
Reyes had earlier filed House Bill (HB) No. 1829, which seeks to empower BHWs and provide them with additional health benefits, compensation, and incentives.
“Primary healthcare services should always be a priority, and we hope that giving proper compensation and benefits to our BHWs will encourage more people to serve in our communities, especially in remote areas,” Reyes said.
Under the proposed measure, BHWs will be entitled to incentives that include hazard allowance, transportation allowance, subsistence allowance, one-time retirement cash incentive, health benefits, insurance coverage, as well as vacation and maternity leaves.
The bill also seeks to provide BHWs with opportunities for career enrichment through educational programs and scholarship benefits.
“The importance of our Barangay Health Workers in providing accessible and quality medical assistance [at] the grassroots cannot be overstated. We need to protect the well-being of our BHWs and provide them with competitive compensation and benefits for their services,” Reyes said.
