Budget for retired village health workers sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council wants a budget set aside for the gratuity pay of barangay health workers who have retired.

In an approved resolution, chairman of the council committee on health Richard Francis F. Aznar said the workers’ dedication to serve the grassroots level and the service rendered as front liner in delivering primary health care must be well compensated.

Under City Ordinance No. 2004-02 of section 13, it states that a barangay health worker who reaches 65 years old shall be forced to retire.

As a form of gratuity for services rendered, a BHW shall receive from the City of Talisay, the current rate of the subsistence allowance multiplied by the number of years of service as BHW.

However, a BHW though retired may continue to serve the barangay if he wishes to but he shall no longer be entitled to the subsistence allowance from the city government.

The amount shall be computed in accordance with the prevailing conditions and subject to the availability of funds. (FREEMAN)