MANILA, Philippines--When former Sen. Juan Flavier heard about the ?Bagong Doktor Para sa Bayan? project in 2006, he told the First Gentleman that 181 barrios (villages) in the country still had no doctors.
The FGFI foundation has since collaborated with the Department of Health, UP-PGH, PLM, MSU and West Visayas State University to advance the ?Doctors to the Barrio? cause, which now boasts of 35 board-certified physicians. The new doctors have pledged to serve the country for two years and work in underserved barrios. Some of their plans and views:
?I will focus on TB because it?s very prevalent. For doctors to stay, a reorientation of the medical curriculum is needed, as well as further training and tax perks.??Dr. Nickson Austria
Opportunities
?Poor communities lack a Primary Health Care system, basic services, vaccination and prenatal care. If doctors have better opportunities here, they?ll stay.??Dr. Criston Manasan
?I will facilitate a program for children that would address issues about health and wellness.??Dr. Jaime Salisi
?Train barangay health workers in primary health care.??Dr. Ceferino Lustre
?We should advocate clinically-proven, budget-efficient home remedies.??Dr. Christine Gutierrez
?Maternal and child health care programs will decrease mortality rates.??Dr. Rommel Bernabe
?Feeding program. Job opportunities with just compensation, a systematic health care system when applying for jobs in government hospitals.??Dr. Quennie Dyan Raagas
?Maternal and child health care is a primary concern.??Dr. Deborrah Liao
Realization
?Let?s focus more on preventive measures. It?s not so much the salary, but the realization that ?Doctors to the Barrios? is a task that needs to be done for our country.??Dr. Joey Sabularce
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