The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed its full support to a proposed law that would recognize the rights and privileges of frontline health workers in the country's more than 42,000 barangays (villages).
It was referring to Senate Bill No. 2838, the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), which would assure that barangay frontline health workers are treated with dignity and are well-compensated.
“Ensuring that these workers, who provide essential healthcare services, are treated with dignity and are well-compensated is vital,” the CHR said.
It described SB 2838 as "a progressive measure wherein healthcare workers at the local level are highly valued and appreciated, fostering a culture of care throughout the country.”
“Valuing the BHWs this way can redound to better health of the communities they serve, thereby helping fulfill the right to health down at the grassroots level,” it added.
SB 2838 was sponsored by Sen. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito and was co-sponsored by Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr., Sen. Christopher Lawrence T. Go, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, Sen. Francis N. Tolentino, Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Jinggoy E. Estrada, and Sen. Loren B. Legarda.
The CHR noted that “SB No. 2838 seeks to provide just compensation and benefits to BHWs, thereby ensuring better conditions to protect their welfare and well-being.”
“Some of the proposed incentives include monthly honoraria, transportation allowance, hazard allowance, insurance coverage, health emergency allowance during public health emergencies, and opportunities for further education and career advancement,” it added.
Also under the bill, the CHR said that “BHWs who have served for at least 15 years will receive a one-time incentive of not less than P10,000, along with free legal services and insurance coverage from the Government Service Insurance System.”