The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed an additional 7,200 healthcare workers (HCWs) to its "Wellness Movement" nationwide program on Monday, Aug. 7, at the University of the Philippines Manila.

"The Wellness Movement, co-designed by DOH’s implementing partner AHA! Behavioral Design®, is a pioneering initiative tailored to promote the well-being of medical frontliners across the country.
"Drawing on practical applications of scientific behavior change approaches, this program supports doctors, nurses, and allied health staff in adopting effective wellness behaviors to bolster their well-being over the long term, aligning with the Department’s 8-point action agenda," said the department.
According to DOH Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, the program began in 2020 at five pilot hospitals and expanded to 21 hospitals in 2021, with an additional 28 hospitals in 2022.
Present at the launching event were DOH Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho, Metro Manila Center for Health Development Officer-in-Charge Director IV Pretchell Tolentino, and Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi.
One of the essential components of the program is the "Wellness Gadgets," which are tools designed to seamlessly integrate into the daily routines and experiences of HCWs.
"These practical aids facilitate the incorporation of effective wellness behaviors, such as grounding, breathing exercises, and gratitude exercises, during critical moments of their day," DOH said.
Furthermore, HCWs can also share their wellness journey in community groups through virtual and in-person activities.