Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _7137

Introduced by Honorable Dale “Along” R. Malapitan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to provide compulsory coverage of all accredited
barangay health workers in the National Health Insurance Program
amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.”

Barangay health workers (BHWs) provide front-line health care
services in the communities they serve. They underwent training programs
through accredited government or non-governmental organizations to
provide basic, safe and effective health care services to the people in the
barangays. In health centers, BHWs assist and support government
physicians, dentists, nutritionists, public health nurses and midwives _ by
providing a) first aid; b) health care services; c) nutrition education,
monitoring and feeding; d) family planning services; and e) sanitation and
hygiene promotion and education.

In rendering public service, these workers are exposed to conditions
which endanger their health or life. Sadly, the workers at present, receive a
contemptibly small monthly average honorarium. Thus, their relentless
efforts in providing health care to our barangay folks who could not afford
hospital fees are not sufficiently remunerated. They are underpaid and not
even provided with health insurance coverage.

In recognition of their invaluable service as pillars of the nation’s
health care delivery system, and for their dedication to duty and
commitment to help the people, this bill seeks to provide compulsory
coverage of all accredited barangay health workers in the National Health
Insurance Program.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill into law is

highly recommended.
HON. oly hy Nagel nn


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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7137
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Dale “Along” R. Malapitan

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE COMPULSORY COVERAGE OF ALL
ACCREDITED BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS IN THE NATIONAL
HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7883, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS’ BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES ACT
OF 1995”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7883 is hereby amended by
adding a new paragraph to read as follows:
“Sec. 6. Incentives and Benefits. — \n recognition of their
services, all accredited barangay health workers who are actively
and regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to the
following incentives and benefits:
a) x x x
G) PHILHEALTH COMPULSORY COVERAGE. — ALL
BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS AND _ THEIR
DEPENDENTS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO MEMBERSHIP IN
THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM TO
GIVE THEM ADEQUATE PERSONAL HEALTH CARE
WHICH SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO IN-PATIENT
HOSPITAL CARE, OUT-PATIENT CARE, EMERGENCY


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AND TRANSFER SERVICES, AND OTHER
SUPPLEMENTARY PACKAGES OR HEALTH INSURANCE
BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH
INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHIC).

THE REQUIRED PREMIUMS AND STANDARD
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BARANGAY
HEALTH WORKER SHALL BE PAID BY THE NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT.”

SEC. 2. All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential issuances and
other administrative rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,