Doctors to the Barrios Boost Rural Healthcare Access

DOH Strengthens Rural Care with Doctors to the Barrios

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has deployed 14 new doctors through its Doctors to the Barrios program to enhance healthcare services in remote communities. This effort targets underserved rural areas where access to licensed physicians remains scarce.

The DOH aims to meet its target of having at least one doctor for every 20,000 residents. “Doctors to the Barrios are being assigned to the region’s most isolated and underserved locations,” a DOH-8 spokesperson said. “Many local government units (LGUs) still lack the ideal doctor-to-population ratio. This program bridges that gap, bringing essential health services closer to our people.”

Strategic Deployment Across Eastern Visayas

Starting last week, the newly assigned doctors began serving in municipalities across Eastern Visayas. These include 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.

For the next three years, these physicians will deliver primary healthcare services such as consultations, immunizations, maternal and child care, health education, and emergency treatment. Additionally, they will mentor local health workers, engage in community health planning, and help strengthen local health systems.

Proven Program Addressing Healthcare Gaps

Since its launch in 1993, the Doctors to the Barrios program has remained a cornerstone initiative for addressing healthcare professional shortages in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas nationwide. The DOH covers the doctors’ salaries, while LGUs provide honoraria, lodging, and ensure their safety and welfare.

Though contracts typically last three years, the DOH encourages LGUs to absorb these doctors into permanent roles to sustain healthcare improvements. “We recommend extending contracts or offering permanent positions to maintain continuity and improve service delivery,” the DOH representative noted.

Through this program, the DOH continues to bring vital medical care to the most remote Filipino communities, ensuring more equitable access to quality health services.

For more news and updates on Doctors to the Barrios, visit Filipinokami.com.

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