Dr. Rosanna Buccahan, provincial health officer, said the medical tools are worth P35,000 per set.
Each set contains a stethoscope, a dressing set for sterilizing wounds, two non-contact thermometers, a digital BP apparatus, a Glucometer set for measurement of blood sugar and two nebulizers for asthma-relief.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga gamit na ito, sa barangay pa lamang ay matutulungan na ng mga barangay health workers ang mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng tulong medical,” Buccahan said.
DOH Sec. Janette Garin said this will further improve primary care services to the people in the towns and villages.
She said that in addition to the medical tools, weighing scales and other medical equipment will be delivered soon to barangay health stations and health centers all over the country.
The health secretary said that barangay health workers, mostly volunteers, should be like soldiers who need firearms when out in the battlefield. “Kapag kalusugan ang pinag-uusapan, mahirap kung walang gamit kahit na anong galing ninyo, kahit anong sipag ninyo,” she said.
Garin described the barangay health workers and other rural health personnel as key to health. “We do not look at you as mere partners but inevitable partners whom we are obliged to support at the same time we are grateful for the commitment and compassion you have given,” the secretary said.
DOH Usec Eric Tayag and DOH Region 3 Director Leonita Gorgolon joined Garin in the distribution in Balanga City of the equipment package. Tayag exhibited some dance exercises with the health workers and guests participating.
“Kung malusog tayo, siguradong maganda ang buhay,” Bataan Gov. Alberto Garcia said.
Mayors Gene dela Fuente of Samal, Jorge Estanislao of Morong, Jesse Concepcion of Mariveles, Jose Enrique Garcia III of Balanga City and Gila Garcia of Dinalupihan were present in the affair.
