Tabuk City, Kalinga - For nearly a decade, the residents of Barangay Appas in Tabuk City, Kalinga have been provided with free medical services through the health station that established there in 2015.
The story of the health station and its impact on public health to the community is a testament of the significance of government services brought nearer to the people. Since the start of the health station’s service nine years ago, there has been a decline in mosquito borne illnesses in the area, at the same time, there has been an increase in the number of people served.
Situated next to the Appas Barangay Hall, the health station is made accessible for essential medical services, health education, and preventative care to residents free of charge.
In an interview with the Guru Press Cordillera, Barangay Appas Secretary Brenda Depalog said the services of the health station are contributed to the barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars, and barangay midwives working there, whom she described as ‘devoted’ to giving quality care and other health services for residents.
“Ti agdyut-duty ket dagiti barangay health workers, BNS, and midwives. Naanus da ken committed da pagdating sa kanilang mga serbisyo,” she said, relating how these barangay workers sacrifice time and make huge effort to work despite the meager pay.
“It is love for the service. Narigat ti agbalin nga barangay worker ta ammo tayo met ti kasasaad ti ka-adwan. Ngem isu ti pinili tayo isunga aramiden tayo,” she added expressing hope that more assistance be given to barangays as the direct and nearest government unit that serves the people.
Among the services being rendered by the staff include medical check-ups, maternal and child care, immunization, and treatment of minor ailments, among others.
In addition to treating illnesses, the health station also promotes overall wellness within the community through regular health fairs and wellness activities.
Said activities are being conducted to lessen the cases of serious health concerns in the barangay.
Since the establishment of the health station, a great improvement in access to healthcare services has been observed in the barangay.
Before its opening, as recounted by Depalog, many of the residents faced challenges in buying their medicines. They likewise needed to go to the City center and get the medicines at the drugstore. Due to poverty, some just waited out their headaches or fever. The health station has bridged this gap, making it easier for families to seek medical assistance and first aid when needed.
Despite all the progress made by the health station, it still faces challenges such as limited funding and resources.
Thus, the barangay officials, headed by Barangay Captain Bernard Glenn Dao-as, are actively seeking partnerships and support from the higher local government units and agencies to strengthen the capability of the facility.
"Through the leadership of our barangay captain, ar-aramiden mi amin ti kabaelan mi tapno mas maaddaan tayo pay ad-adu nga resources, like medicines and additional equipment... tapno mas ad-adu met lang ti mai-serve tayu dagitoy residente," added the barangay secretary.
Through its hardworking staff and the continued efforts of the barangay officials, the health center is poised to grow, ensuring that the health needs of the residents are met for many more years to come.
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