At least 74 doctors are now currently deployed in different areas in the Eastern Visayas to address the lack or scarcity of physicians in rural communities.
Included in the 42nd batch deployed by the Department of Health (DOH) nationwide are 14 new doctors who were deployed on June 26 in 14 areas of the region, DOH Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said Thursday.
They were assigned in Liloan and Anahawan in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Palo, Calubian, Mahaplag, Burauen, Bato, and Babatngon in Leyte; Naval in Biliran; Motiong and Matuguinao in Samar; Arteche in Eastern Samar; and Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar.
Assigned under DOH’s Doctors to the Barrios (DTTBs) program, the new doctors have been assisting in the delivery of healthcare services, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, health education, and emergency care.
“The deployment is based on the matching process with local government units who requested doctors. Priority areas are those without doctors, high populations with no access to healthcare, and a number of isolated communities,” Malibago said.
Each doctor serves in their assigned local government unit for three years, receiving a starting monthly salary of PHP98,185 (salary grade 24).
The health department urged recipient local government units to ensure the safety of doctors and retain them after their term.
The DTTB program is a continuation of the initiative that began in 1993 to address the lack or scarcity of physicians in rural communities across the Philippines. (PNA)