Who takes care of the people who take care of others? At the Pasig City General Hospital (PCGH), a Healthy Workplace Program was launched to strengthen and support the health, safety, and well-being of healthcare workers who often prioritize patient care, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being.

The PCGH launched the program on Monday, April 20, with the theme “Those Who Heal Also Deserve Care.” It aims to strengthen workplace health programs in line with the National Policy Framework on the Promotion of a Healthy Workplace, supporting the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.

The initiative emphasizes that health is not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional stability.

During the program, Mayor Vico Sotto explained the importance of also prioritizing the welfare of government employees, especially those in the health sector.

He emphasized that while serving the public, they should also take care of their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

He also expressed gratitude for the dedication of PCGH personnel and recognized their vital role in providing quality medical services.

Sotto added that the local government continues to work on improving the hospital’s capacity and quality of service, alongside implementing programs that aim to enhance the welfare of both patients and its employees.

As part of the launch, various wellness services were offered to PCGH personnel, including Inner Peace Counseling and alternative medicine services such as acupuncture, hilot, tuina massage, and chiropractic care, in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).

“Layunin ng mga serbisyong ito na suportahan ang physical, mental, at emotional well-being ng mga healthcare worker. Isinusulong din nito ang kultura ng pag-aalaga sa sarili upang higit pang mapahusay ang kalidad ng serbisyo at mapanatili ang dedikasyon sa pangangalaga sa mga pasyente (These services aim to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of healthcare workers. They also promote a culture of self-care to further improve service quality and sustain dedication in caring for patients),” the local government said.

Under the program, seven priority areas serve as a guide in building a safe, supportive, and healthy working environment: nutrition and movement; clean environment; preventive care and immunization; avoidance of smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse; mental health; sexual and reproductive health; and safety and injury prevention.

The local government noted that the Healthy Workplace Program of PCGH is not a one-time initiative. It is expected to continue as a long-term program providing health services for employees.

It added that there are plans to expand the program to cover all employees of the city government.