Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos are pushing for the passage of a measure institutionalizing the training and employment of health workers who belong to indigenous communities to ensure that such communities have access to primary healthcare.

House Bill No. 6533, or the Tribal Health Workers (THW) bill, seeks the appointment of THWs to all tribal communities located about 10 kilometers from the barangay center, with one worker appointed for every thirty families.

“The THWs will act as a bridge between mainstream health services and indigenous communities. We envision them providing culturally sensitive primary healthcare using both modern and indigenous knowledge,” Rep. Ching Bernos said in a statement on Monday.

Under the proposed measure, the tribal chief, in accordance with the community’s traditions, shall appoint the THW and submit their name to the local health board, who in turn shall register the appointed THW.

The local health board would also furnish a copy of its list of THWs to the Department of Health, which shall maintain a national database.

Appointed tribal health workers will be tasked to set up an herbal garden for community use, with assistance from the local government and the DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office.

THWs would be entitled to free PhilHealth insurance and hospitalization in case of work-related emergencies; free tuition in public high schools and universities, which the THW may transfer to any one of his/her legitimate children; continuing training on new and emerging primary healthcare management; and free legal services should the need arise in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities as health worker.

JB Bernos expressed hope that by employing THWs, the government would be able to introduce much-needed interventions to improve public health among indigenous peoples.

“Marami sa ating mga IP ang mas madaling magkasakit dahil sa kakulangan ng nutrisyon at agarang access sa serbisyong medikal at pangkalusugan. Nakikita natin ang mga THW bilang isang hakbang para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na malayo sa sentro (Many of our IPs are prone to disease due to lack of nutrition and access to medical services. The THWs will be a step in addressing the need of our countrymen who live in isolated areas),” he said. (PNA)