Pass BHW Magna Carta now, Senate asked

The Senate has been pressed to pass the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers in the wake of the "unjust" dismissal from service of about 80,000 BHW by newly-elected village officials.

AnaKalusugan Partylist Rep. Ray Reyes made the call yesterday, stressing the need for expedited passage in the Senate of the counterpart of House Bill 6557, which hurdled the House one year ago.

"We urge the Senate to prioritize the passage of its version of the Magna Carta for BHWs. Our BHWs have been going through tough times for a long time, and maybe it's time for us to listen to their grievances," Reyes said.

In December 2022, the House unanimously approved HB 6557, seeking to grant BHWs incentives and benefits, including hazard, transportation, subsistence allowances, one-time retirement cash incentives, health and insurance coverage benefits, vacation and maternity leaves and cash gifts, among others.

The House-approved measure consolidated numerous bills, including Reyes' HB 1829, which bats for the Magna Carta to empower BHWs and provide them with additional health benefits, compensation, and incentives.

"Primary healthcare services should always be a priority and we hope that giving proper compensation and benefits to our BHWs will encourage more people to serve in our communities, especially in remote areas," Reyes said.

The proponent stressed it is high time that his fellow lawmakers in the Senate give their blessing to its version of the bill amid the odds faced by the community-based primary health care services, including the recent termination of roughly 80,000 BHWs and counting by newly elected barangay officials right after the 30 October local polls.