Lingayen, Pangasinan – The Department of Health – Ilocos Region together with various partners from the province of Pangasinan provided health and medical services to 250 barangay health workers (BHWs) during the “Women’s Health Day Celebration” on March 31, 2023 held at the Provincial Training and Development Center II in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
BHWs were treated with free eye screening, haircut and massage, blood pressure check-up, random blood sugar and cholesterol testing.
“This is in recognition of our accredited BHWs services who are actively and regularly performing their duties in their localities. Due to their bulk of responsibility in the community and in their household, our BHWs sometimes don’t have time to visit a doctor and care for themselves kaya minabuti naming dalhin ang mga serbisyo sa kanila upang sila ay mabigyan ng libreng gamot at karagdagang kaalaman upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan,” Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo M. Albornoz stated.
Hygiene kits containing face powder, cotton buds, shampoo, toothpaste, alcohol and bath soap were also distributed.
Albornoz emphasized that BHWs essential in the delivery of health care services and programs of the health department. “They are the frontline providers of health care services in the communities, they know the people and every nook and corner of their barangay at napakaimportante nito sa pagpaplano at pagpapatupad ng isang health program.”
“They also assist nurses, doctors, dentists, nutritionists and midwives in rural health centers,” he added.
Among the responsibilities of a BHW include treatment of first aid, sterilization of medical equipment, assisting in health activities, maintaining records and creating reports, participating in community meetings, assisting in nutrition and immunization education, monitoring feeding activities, assisting in family planning services, sanitation and hygiene promotion and health education.
During the activity, BHWs signed a pledge of commitment to self-care and well-being by taking regular exercise, observing healthy lifestyle activity, managing stress and visiting a physician for regular health check-up.
Health topics on mental health, cervical and breast cancer and the importance of having a regular eye examination were also conducted.
There is a total of 47 BHW Federations in Pangasinan.
