A pro-administration lawmaker on Thursday urged the Department of Health to train tribal health workers on new and emergency primary health care management.
In addition, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, in filing House Bill 7859, said the tribal health workers should be trained on the use of herbal medicines.
An estimated 17 million tribesmen, most of them in Northern Luzon and Mindanao, will be benefited.
Villafuerte’s proposed Tribal Health Workers Act provides that every tribal group within 10 kilometers from a barangay center appoint a designated health worker from its community.
“These health workers, referred to as tribal health workers [THWs], are tasked to provide primary health care to members of the tribes. Each of them is also responsible for assisting if needed, sick persons to the nearest clinic or hospital,” Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, said.
Under HB 7859, every THW must undergo healthcare training by either the government or a non-governmental organization.
There should be one THW for every 30 tribal families.
Villafuerte said the bill also recognized the importance of adopting health practices that respect and incorporate the beliefs and tradition of the country ’s indigenous peoples.
This is why the bill recognizes the use by tribal communities of herbal medicines and mandates the THWs to establish herbal gardens in their respective communities, he said.
“Our country takes pride in its diverse and colorful population. It honors every indigenous group that makes up our distinct identity as a nation, and endeavors that they are not left behind in all aspects of progress,” Villafuerte said.
“Through this bill, we shall ensure that government welfare services are inclusive and responsive to all—most especially to those who need it the most,” he added.