House Committee on Health, suportado ang panukalang amiyendahan ang Magna Carta for Public Health Workers

Transcript

00:00 The amendment to the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers is being discussed in the Chamber.

00:04 This includes the addition of a salary and benefits for public health workers.

00:10 This is what Rod Lagusa reported.

00:12 The House Committee on Health supports the proposed amendment of the Republic Act 7305

00:20 or the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers.

00:23 In the hearing, the bills that were submitted in this regard were consolidated.

00:28 This includes the increase of the salary of public health workers,

00:32 as well as allowances and benefits.

00:34 Another thing that is being pushed is the expansion of the definition of health workers

00:38 which includes those who work outside of traditional health facilities

00:43 such as mental health professionals.

00:45 I think everybody agrees that public health workers and mental health professionals

00:52 deserve better and improved benefits, salaries included,

01:00 so that they can fulfill the long-cherished wishes of our health professionals.

01:08 The Health Department agrees that the current situation of health workers should be improved.

01:13 The DOH interposes no objections to the proposed measure

01:17 as this recognizes the vital role of our public health workers in the healthcare system.

01:22 After 29 years since the enactment of the Republic Act 7305

01:27 or the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers,

01:30 our nation has experienced significant transformations, particularly economically.

01:35 According to the Department of Budget and Management,

01:38 balancing fiscal management is needed when it comes to the government's funds.

01:42 For now, their technical group is studying the possible effect of the proposed law.

01:47 One step increment in a salary grade would equate to a substantial budgetary impact.

01:55 In this regard, our recommendation is to streamline and harmonize the provision

02:01 by creating a technical working group or to consolidate the provisions of the bill more essential,

02:07 whether it is a proposal to increase the salary grade

02:10 or to increase other allowances which will be provided to our health workers.

02:17 The DOH also agreed that barangay health workers should not be included in the definition of health workers.

02:22 We have at least 420,000 barangay health workers serving in the frontline,

02:29 but they are considered volunteers.

02:31 Their work is not being valued as worker and they are predominantly women.

02:37 That is why Congressman Gato agreed to re-enact the law

02:41 which would allow barangay health workers to be included.

02:43 If the law is passed, it will help to provide a better life for health workers in the country.

02:49 Realistically, all bills that require budgetary consideration,

02:58 it is an upheaval in a sense because we have to consider also the capability of our government.

03:07 However, he did not stop to find a solution to the issue of the health care system and health workers.

03:14 Rod Leguzad, for the nation.