Journals and handbooks that will aid and serve as reference materials for Valenzuela’s Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were turned over by Unilab to the city yesterday, April 2, at the Valenzuela City Social Hall.

 

The compendium comprised of a BHW Journal, a BHW Handbook and a BHW Field Journal was conceptualized by the City Government through the City Health Department, together with Unilab, the Odyssey Foundation and various medical coordinators.

 

Through the said materials, the local government hopes to assist the city’s BHWs in improving the quality of services that they render. About 316 health workers assigned to the city’s 44 health centers act as front liners for primary medical attention given by the barangays in the communities.

 

The journal allows them to chart the services rendered and referrals made, while the handbook provides vital health information in four areas of concern – maternal health care, child health care, tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases. Guiding principles for and the duties of BHWs are also outlined in the said handbook.

 

In his inspirational message City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian addressed the BHWs referring to them as the feet, eyes and ears of the city when it comes to health. “Everyday you all make rounds in your assigned areas, it is important that our programs are felt at the grassroots level. Help us to reach every nook and cranny of the city. If there are problems and concerns, let us know about it,” the chief executive said.

 

Mayor WIN further added that the journal serves as a tool for them to effectively deliver their work. He promised that he and City Health Officer, Dr. Jaime Exconde will initiate even more projects relating to health and education.

 

Mayor WIN turned over the journals and handbooks to the Federation of Officers of Barangay Health Workers in Valenzuela City.  First 100 BHWs then received the kits.

 

Dr. Marlyn Liwanag from City Health Office said that they expect the journals and handbooks to be fully-utilized by the BHWs in raising the bar of the city’s healthcare programs, “in doing so, we hope to recruit more patients and to provide them (patients) with better quality service in order to uplift their quality of life,” she added.

 

Unilab’s Director for External Affairs, Ms. Claire Papa and Odyssey Foundation’s Executive Director Mr. Dindo Danao witnessed the turnover for their respective companies.