The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Binalonan spearheaded a training and orientation of all Barangay Health Workers (BHW) on August 29 held at the Rock Garden Events Tent.
RHU Medical Officer, Dra. Framila Cuaresma De la Cruz welcomed the participants of the training. She mentioned that BHW volunteers have to undergo a basic training program to be able to render primary care services in the community.
About 250 registered participants by barangay were presented by Joanne Patacsil, RHU nurse.
Mayor Ramon N. Guico Jr. in his message recognizes the important role of the BHW as health advocates within their communities. As such, the mayor challenged them to lead in the clean-up drive in their places of assignment especially now that dengue is on the rise and a national epidemic.
Chairman on Health, Sanitation and Nutrition, Councilor Dra. Josephine Caburnay commended the participation of the BHW in the training.
Meanwhile, Region I DOH Representive and Development Officer IV Cathrine Nalupa presented the vital roles and functions of the BHW as health advocates within their communities.
Nalupa said “The volunteer workers provide information, education and motivation services for primary health care, maternal , neonatal, child health, child rights, family planning and nutrition.”
Dr. Marc Darwin Ragojos, dean of the Allied Medical Sciences of LNL, Urdaneta City provided needed information on Maternal Care, Postpartum Care and Nutrition for Children in his lecture.
From the RHU, Dra. Framila De la Cruz gave hints and tips on Breastfeeding, Mary Ann Simon discussed Family Planning, Mrs. Emilia Eleccion tackled on the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Common Illnesses was lectured by Mrs. Rhea Ann Mina, while a return demonstration on Vital Signs (V/S) was facilitated by the RHU staff.
Barangay Health Workers are accredited to function as health care providers in accordance with Sec. 3 of Republic Act No. 7883. also known as “Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995”, which recognizes the need for health workers and primary health care to promote health empowerment.