CEBU, Philippines - After a lengthy, albeit heated, discussion, the Talisay City council approved on mass motion yesterday opposition Councilor Valeriano “Val” Ylanan’s proposed resolution that requests the city to send doctors monthly to barangays.
Ylanan suggested that doctors visit all barangays every month so as to intensify the city’s medical services to the people, particularly those in the mountain barangays.
“Doctors’ availability will result to a thorough monitoring of barangay residents’ health situation and nutrition needs,” Ylanan said in his resolution.
However, Ylanan’s proposal spawned several reactions from the council, particularly from Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, Councilors Rodi Cabigas, Francis Richard Aznar, and Edward Alesna.
Cabigas requested the proposal to be deferred, citing that it is no longer necessary because the 22 barangays have been divided into three clusters, with health workers assigned to the clusters.
Aznar, who is the chairman of the committee on health, also said the barangays usually are the ones that request for doctors.
He said not one barangay that requested for doctor had been turned down by the city health department.
Bucao echoed Aznar’s observation saying, “I believe that it is the barangays to ask for doctors.” But Ylanan strongly opposed a deferment and the withdrawal of his proposal saying there is no harm in asking the city that doctors visit barangays every month, and made it clear he does not undervalue barangay health workers.
Ylanan said doctors will only assess the medical needs of residents and determine their health problems, recommend and provide medicines, and find ways to enhance the delivery of health and sanitation services. “This is just a resolution and it is only requesting. It is up to the mayor to approve it or not,” Ylanan said.
After a one-minute break, Bucao moved for the approval of the resolution. – THE FREEMAN