The Department of Health Negros Island Region Center for Health Development (DOH NIR CHD), led by regional director Razel Nikka Hao, recently turned over essential assistive devices to the Negros Oriental Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), headed by Dr. Liland Zoila Estacion.
These devices include 20 wheelchairs, 100 pairs of crutches, and 100 quad canes, all intended to provide critical mobility and functional assistance to individuals in need across the province.
It also aligned with the health and wellness program of the provincial government for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“This initiative highlights the strong DOH NIR CHD-IPHO partnership in delivering inclusive, people-centered healthcare, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring that vital health interventions reach those who need them most,” the DOH said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the DOH NIR CHD held the first Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Summit, on the theme “Empowering Barangay Health Workers for a Healthier Nation: Strengthening Health Promotion Through Empowered Community Health Frontliners”, in Dauin, Negros Oriental last week.
The summit was attended by BHWs of local government units across the NIR, including provincial and city BHW officers and coordinators.
In her welcome message, Hao emphasized the invaluable experience and contributions of every BHW in the region, adding the summit was aimed at further equipping BHWs with knowledge on health promotion and priority health programs, while fostering stronger understanding and collaboration among community health frontliners.
Jennifer Remollo, acting head of the Health System Integration Cluster, underscored the vital role of BHWs in communities, describing them as the pillars of primary healthcare and frontline health service delivery.
Khonan Dark Cerial, president of the National Federation of BHWs, provided updates on the proposed Barangay Health Workers Magna Carta, and reaffirmed continued efforts to lobby for its passage to further strengthen the welfare and protection of BHWs nationwide.
DOH-NIR assistant regional director Adrian Hort Ramos also highlighted the vital role of BHWs as frontline responders in the community. ||
