House OKs bill granting P3K allowance, other benefits to bgy. health workers

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 6557 which provides for barangay health workers (BHWs) a monthly honoraria worth P3,000, among other benefits.

The measure, approved unanimously with 258 yes votes, defines BHW as a person appointed as a support health worker in the barangays unit as defined and covered by the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.

Likewise, the bill requires that BHWs be registered with the local health board in the city or municipality in which they render service. It also mandates the concerned health board to issue the certificate of accreditation to a BHW applicant who has rendered health care services in the city or municipality.

Under the bill, the BHW may take different roles as advocate educator, disseminator, coordinator, record keeper, and health care service provider in the community.

Further, the bill confers a first grade Civil Service Eligibility to an accredited BHW who has rendered at least five years of continuous service. 

It grants an accredited BHW hazard, transportation and subsistence allowances, including a one-time retirement cash incentive, health benefits, vacation and maternity leaves and cash gifts.

“This will give due recognition to the service of Barangay Health Workers and provide allowances and other benefits as incentives for their loyal service,” the committee report on the measure read.

The bill mandates the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to provide an accredited BHW insurance coverage and benefits the cost of which will be shouldered by the local government unit concerned.

The measure also tasks the Department of Health, in coordination with Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other concerned agencies and non­-government organizations, to provide information and opportunities for training, education and career enrichment programs to accredited BHWs.

The municipal, city or provincial government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are also mandated to establish a grievance mechanism to address complaints regarding acts of discrimination and unjust removal of BHWs from the service, while the DOH is obliged to provide continuing education and training programs for BHWs.

"This will protect and promote the right to health of the people by providing the conditions of health empowerment where each individual has adequate access to information and services that will bring about health and well-being and by delivering effective health care programs and services based on the needs of the communities,” the bill said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News