Bong Go advocates for more support, proper compensation for healthcare workers

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of Filipino healthcare workers by pushing for legislation to ensure they receive the government support they deserve.

"I want to thank our healthcare workers as you have been working tirelessly to respond to this crisis, and I commend you for your courage and dedication in providing care to those in need," Go said.

"Kailangan natin mag-invest sa ating healthcare workforce, mapabuti ang ating mga pasilidad, at dagdagan ang accessibility ng ating mga kababayan sa mga essential medicines at medical supplies," he acknowledged.

Go emphasized the need to further strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act (UHC), a law that aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to all Filipinos. The senator expressed his confidence that healthcare workers can better serve their communities and uphold the principles of universal health coverage if the said Act is effectively implemented.

"We are all aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the gaps in our healthcare system. Exposing the vulnerabilities and limitations of our healthcare infrastructure, shortage of healthcare workers, and difficulty in accessing healthcare. It is therefore important for our health agencies led by the Department of Health and PhilHealth to exert extra effort in ensuring that the goals and objectives of the UHC will be achieved," he stressed.

Meanwhile, one of Go's key initiatives is Senate Bill No. (SBN) 427, also known as the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Compensation Bill. This bill is designed to provide fair compensation and benefits to BHWs who play a crucial role in delivering primary healthcare services to the grassroots communities.

The senator also highlighted the significance of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) signed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Health (DOH). The JMC, which was signed by Secretaries Benjamin Abalos, Jr., of DILG and Teodoro Herbosa of DOH, is aimed at ensuring the security of tenure of BHWs.

The JMC enforces the provisions of Republic Act No. 7883, also known as the BHW Incentives and Benefits Act of 1995, and aligns it with the UHC Act. Its primary goal is to guarantee the uninterrupted delivery of essential primary care services in every barangay, in line with the government's commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Go has also proposed SBN 191 or the Advanced Nursing Education bill, which seeks to enhance the skills and competencies of nursing professionals in the Philippines and further strengthen the healthcare workforce. By investing in advanced nursing education, Go cited that the country can ensure a higher standard of care and greater preparedness for future healthcare challenges.

Furthermore, Go is pushing for a review and update of the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. This move acknowledges the changing landscape of healthcare and the evolving needs of healthcare workers and makes certain that the government can provide a fair and just framework for public health workers.

To ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to the Filipino people, the senator is likewise supporting proposals for the Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL 6), which seeks to increase the salaries of government workers, including medical professionals working in the public sector. Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SSL 5).

"Healthcare workers have been facing enormous challenges on multiple fronts. Apart from the physical demands and risks of treating COVID-19 patients, they have also grappled with emotional and mental tolls, and many have had to cope with the loss of colleagues and patients alike," expressed Go.

"As co-sponsor and an author of Salary Standardization Law 5 during the 18th Congress, sana po ay magkaroon pa ng bagong Salary Standardization Law 6. I'm one with the government in seeking to provide another increase in salaries for those working in the public sector," he added.