Doctor from Natonin, Mt. Province is one of 5Outstanding DoctorToThe Barrio

Natonin, Mt. Province - Wilmer Edchamag, a physician from Natonin, Mountain Province, was recently recognized by the Department of Health as one of the five outstanding Doctors To The Barrios (DTTB) with his dedication to delivering health care services to remote communities.

Edchamag has been chosen for this recognition after showing outstanding achievements as a physician in Lagayan, Abra, where he is assigned. His efforts to bring essential medical services to marginalized communities in the town have made him worthy of the award.

His career as a doctor started in his hometown in Natonin. His dedicated health services to his “kababayans” led him through the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program of the DOH.

The DTTB Program

As cited by the DOH-CAR, the DTTB Program deploys physicians to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) across the country. Edchamag is an icon of excellence in this field while serving people with primary medical services in areas most in need.

Instituted in 1993 by then DOH Secretary Juan M. Flavier, the program aims to provide the GIDAs with equal access to quality health care by posting doctors into these communities.

Contribution of Dr. Edchamag to Lagayan

Through the DTTB program, Edchamag was assigned to Lagayan, where, until now, he is one of the cornerstones of the municipality’s health system. There, he also spearheaded projects that would address both short-term health care and long-term public health targets.

His sensitivity to the challenges of the local setting has helped him to adapt his approach in a way that addresses the needs of Lagayan; thus, paving the way for him to receive the recognition – OUTSDANDING Doctor To The Barrio.

The award was given to him by the DOH during the recently concluded DTTB Program Batch 39 Sinagtala awarding ceremony in Davao City.