Facilitating and hindering factors in the provision of incentives and benefits for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Oriental Mindoro: Insights from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

Abstract

Backgroud: In 1995, RA 7883 was enacted stating the incentives and benefits which can be provided for BHWs. In the advent of the Universal Health Care, the role of the BHWs will be crucial more than ever and to ensure the sustainability of the program is an urgent concern. There is a need to identify the hindrances in the provision of incentives and benefits for the BHWs in coming up with recommendations on how to improve it.

Methodology: Focus group discussions on selected BHWs and key informant interviews on policy makers and implementors were conducted to assess the reinforcing and hindering factors on the provision of incentives and benefits for the BHWs.

Result: The report outlines key factors affecting BHWs in Oriental Mindoro. While the BHW organization has potential to offer incentives, it needs stronger oversight from the Local Government Unit (LGU) to be effective. NGOs, provide crucial funding for training BHWs in remote areas. Political interference in appointing BHWs, with frequent changes in leadership, disrupts the program's stability. Training opportunities are limited by a lack of funding, leaving many BHWs undertrained. Additionally, local ordinances that offer benefits to BHWs often fail due to unclear policies, changing local leadership, and insufficient budgets.

Conclusion: The BHW program continues to face persistent challenges in the provision of incentives and benefits, largely due to the lack of clear, comprehensive, and enforceable policies and guidelines.