Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bio. 691

Introduced by: Honorable GEORGE P. ARNAIZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7883 granted benefits and incentives to
barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars who have
undergone the appropriate training programs to voluntarily render
primary healthcare services in the community and were accredited to
function as such by the local health board in accordance with the
guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health.

Among these benefits are the hazard allowance, subsistence
allowance, educational programs, scholarship grants, special training
programs, civil service eligibility upon qualification, tree legal services
and preferential access to loan services.

Unfortunately, the provision of health care benefits has been left
‘out for these sommendeble individuals who provide accessible and
acceptable health services anchored on the Primary Health Care
Approach of governrnent.

This measure makes up for the want by mandating the Barangay
Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars coverage in the
National Health insurance Program under the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation. At the very least, they and their dependents will
be ensured of quality heaith care services that are affordable,

acceptable, available and accessible. _

The immediate and favorable passtige of this bill is earnestly
requested. oo /

GEORGE P. ARNAIZ
Representative
2% District, Oriental Negros


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bittno. 691

Introduced by: Honorable GECRGE P. ARNAIZ

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE MANDATORY COVERAGE OF ALL BARANGAY HEALTH
WORKERS AND BARANGAY NUTRITION SCHOLARS IN THE NATIONAL
HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (NHIP) UNDER THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH
INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH)

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Objective. - This Act seeks to provide for the
mandatory coverage of all Barangay Health Workers and Barangay
Nutrition Scholars in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP),
hereinafter refered to as the Program, under the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section II, Article Xill of the
1987 Constitution declares that the State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall
endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services
‘available to all the people at affordable cost. Priority for the needs of
the underprivileged, sick elderly, disabled women and children shall be
recognized. Likewise, it shall be the policy of the State to provide free
medical care to paupers.

SECTION 3. Coverage. - All duly-accredited Barangay Health
Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars under Presidential Decree
1569 shall be covered by the Program.

SECTION 4. Enroliment. - All Barangay Health Workers and
Barangay Nutrition Scholars shall be enrolled in the National Health
Insurance Program in order for them to be placed under coverage
that entitles them to avail of the benefits and financial assistance
provided therein.


SECTION 5. Contributions. - The Department of Health shall pay

the monthly coniribution of the barangay health workers enrolled
under the Program.

SECTION 6. Appropriation. - The funds necessary for the
implementation of this Act shali be appropriated from the national
budget and shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
‘Actas par! of the budget of the Department of Health.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All lews, decrees, rules and
regulations, and executive orders contrary or inconsistent with this Act
‘are hereby repealed or mocified accordingly

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its
approval and competion of its publication in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,