The Provincial Government of South Cotabato will allot Php16 million to hire more Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in a bid to strengthen the prevention and control of diseases in the province.
In an earlier interview, Governor Reyanldo S. Tamayo Jr said this will entail an additional budget for the province but the value it gets in return is substantial since this will lessen hospital expenses.
The plan is part of the preparation for the full implementation of Universal Health Care in the province which Governor Tamayo targets to achieve earlier before the year 2027.
Based on the UHC, “all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protected against financial risk. President Duterte signed R.A. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act into law last February 20, 2019. The UHC Act contains comprehensive and progressive reforms that will ensure every Filipino is healthy, protected from health hazards and risks, and has access to affordable, quality and readily available health service that is suitable to their needs”
However, Governor Tamayo wants the localized implementation of the UHC.
Based on the plan, there is going to be at least one BHW for every 20 households in the barangays to give focus on their health.
“There should be close monitoring of every disease in the community so that our health workers can provide intervention if there is early detection”, he said,
He added that in case there is a need for hospitalization, the provincial government will also ensure that hospital facilities are adequate and free hospitalization is provided.
To date, at least Php400 million worth of hospital expansion program is set to be established in support of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital to further the improvement of health services in the province.
