Uncertain future awaits Cebu City health workers

SHE was devastated to learn that, along with other barangay health workers (BHW) in Cebu City, her contract had been terminated. Yet, Maria Zina Navaja remains hopeful she will resume working in Barangay Pahina Central.

The 50-year-old Navaja had been a barangay health worker since 2003.

Her family was one of several households whose homes were gutted by a fire beside the One Citilink Terminal.

“Mao raman ni akong panginabuhian. Wala pa sad to nahuman among gitukod nga payag (It’s my only source of income. My shanty is still not finished),” she said. Navaja still continues to work as a volunteer in Pahina Central.

She said she believes that she will work again after hearing the news that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña may reconsider hiring barangay health workers.

But only barangay health workers whose services are fully paid by the city government can reapply, said Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos who was appointed by Osmeña as deputy mayor for health services.

Navaja said she was under the City Health Office and she received P5,500 a month. After Osmeña terminated their services, she and the others receive P500 a month. Pahina Central has three barangay health workers.

“Our doctor only comes here once a week; our midwife only twice a week. And we only have one nurse. So the health workers attend to a lot of patients daily,” she said.

She said they are trained healthcare providers who underwent seminars and trainings sponsored by the City Health Office and the Department of Health.

Delos Santos earlier said she spoke with Mayor Tomas Osmeña and persuaded him to retain barangay health workers in the city’s health centers.